OIL IN PERSIA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 17, 17 December 1932, Page 7

OIL IN PERSIA

CANCELLED CONCESSION. PERSIAN CASE OUTLINED. PROTECTION OF HER INTERESTS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received December 17, 8.55 a.m. LONDON, Dec. 16.

The Teheran correspondent of the Times says that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Parraglii Khan, during the debate on the cancellation of the AngloPersian Oil Company’s concession, outlined the Persian case in the form like) 3' to be presented to the League.

He said that Persia’s sole intention in cancelling the concession was to protect. its own rights and interests, for which there was no provision in the concession, because it was given by a corrupt Persian regime. The Government immediately intimated its willingness to conclude a new concession, but interference by the British Government prevented the Government’s negotiations with the compan3'. Persia owned the oil. The company should benefit equitably, but so must the Persian nation. She demanded only her rights.

A few days ago an important statement was made in the House of Commons by tho Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Captain Eden, in reference to tho strong representation made to the Persian Government regarding their action in cancelling tho Anglo-Persian Oil Company’s concosion. After giving details of Notes exchanged between Britain and Persia, Captain Eden stated that a Noto had beep forwarded concluding as follows: —“His Majesty’s Government will hold tho Persian Government directly responsible for any damago to tho company’s interests and interfcrenco with their premises or business activities in Persia or any failure to afford tho company adequate protection, and in tho event of any such damago occurring His Majesty’s Government will regard themsolves as entitled to tako all such measures as the situation may demand for the company’s protection.” Subsequently tho matter was referred to tho Lcajjuo of Nations.