File 1341/1921 Pt 1 'Khorassan Intelligence Summaries 1921-1922' [‎673r] (993/1080)

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Appendix 1.
Extract from the “ Sharq-i-Iran” Meshed, dated the 14th February 1921,
No. 39.
(a) The British intend leaving Tehran in April.
(b) Great majority of the public are in favour of resumption of trade
relations with Russia and are looking forward to it with great pleasure.
Pro-Russian feeling is so intense that pro-British individuals have given
up the practice of speaking in favour of Anglo-Persian Alliance and even go to
length of expressing agreement with views held by the rival party, if they
meet one another at meetings and functions.
This reaction in favour in Russia has been brought about by recent events
in Kerbela and Nejaf and by arrests and imprisonments of Mujtahids by
British officials. All these happenings have produced evil consequences and
the public of Tehran have instigated the local Mujtahids to take necessary
action against this policy.
Extract from the “ Chaman,” Meshed, dated the 19th February 1921,
No. 52. 1 2 3
1. For consideration of Government and Farliamentary representatives .—
In the course of a leading article, under above heading, paper discussed various
advantages and improvements which commerce and trade inevitably bring to
states and proceeds to argue that this country (Persia) cannot and will not
regain her material prosperity unless and until she enters into friendly and
commercial relations with her two neighbours, viz., Great Britain and the
Russian Soviet. Paper severely condemns the present chaos prevailing in
Tehran and other centres, conditions that have been brought about entirely
by the dangerous extent to which supporters of the two rival camps (British
and Russian) have been unfortunately permitted to go. This competition
cannot but end in misfortune and national calamity, as Persia cannot afford
to stake all her interests in one direction. Her salvation lies in mutual under
standing with both the British and Soviet Governments.
Article concludes by appealing to the Parliamentary representatives
assembled at Tehran to reconsider their views on question of the Anglo-Persian
Agreement and simultaneously to press for conclusion of a Russo-Persian
Trade treaty, the implication obviously being that Persia should, in her own
interests, adopt both of the above agreements.
2. Turco-Bolshevik fighting in Baku is causing anxiety to population of
Persian Astara.
3. Caucasian Azerbaijan has ceased to be friendly to the Bolsheviks and
hostilities have broken out between latter and Caucasians,.