RUSSIA AND PERSIA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3415, 5 January 1912, Page 5

RUSSIA AND PERSIA.

EXECUTIONS AT TABRIZ. MR SHUSTER’S SUCCESSOR. [united press association—copyright] TEHERAN, Jan. 3. It is reported that the Russians executed oight persons in connection with the Tabriz affair, including the Sexat-ul-islam, the greatest ecclesiastic in Azerbaijan. The Russian and_ British Legations are urging the appointment of M. Monarch, Belgian director of Customs, to succeed- Mr Shuster. British traders strongly object. “KEEP PERSIA FREE.” • FOR THE PRESTIGE OF INDIA. (Received Jail- 4, 9.20 p.m.) LONDON, Jan, 4. _ Lord Lamiigton 1 , at Edinburgh, staid that Persia had been hampered and thwarted in regeneracy, and when she appeared to be extricating herself Russia interposed, and it was necessary to secure the withdrawal of the Russians from Kasvin if the- partition of Persia was to be avoided. For the sake of the prestige of India, he said that the English must exert tliemsleves to keep- Persia free.

FEELING IN ENGLAND.

DISGUST AT GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE.

LONDON, Dec. 29. As reports reach London of the Russian behaviour in Persia, the poople are becoming increasingly disgusted at England’s attitude. Sir Edward Grey, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, points out that the Government’s attitude is a matter of policy, and is necessitated by the AngloRussian agreement. The Persian Committee, which is composed of prominent Englishmen, has received despatches sent through the Persian Society in Constantinople, stating that Russian troops at Tabriz made an unprovoked attack upon the schools and the children, and upon innocent men and women, and that the inhabitants were compelled to defend themselves.

Several London papers, commenting upon the gravity of the Persian situation, urge the necessity for 1 the Government taking action with regard to those responsible for the attack upon Mr. W. A. Smart, British Consul at Shiraz. Notwithstanding the protests of the press the Government is unlikely to take any action that would embarrass Russia In the present crisis. A report was circulated in America that Britain had sent an ultimatum to Russia demanding the immediate cessation of the ravages by Cossacks in Persia, but the Foreign Office to-day denied the rumor.