True, elections are proceeding, and a Mejlissmay assemble nominally competent to deal with such questions, and the Cabinet perhaps expects to find in it the strength and perseverance needed to enforce reform despite prejudice and corruption. But Persian Assemblies have not yet learnt to voice or impose the real desires of the people and hitherto have been fickle and short-lived. The Allied Consuls at Tabriz have resumed their duties, which were suspended by the Turkish occupation. The province submits to Persian rule, although the local Government lacks strength to repress tribal and factional disorders, and a section of the Turkish-speaking population retains a furitive desire for union with Caucasian Azerbaijan. The thorny question of the resettlement of the Assyrian and Armenian refugees from the Urmia region is becoming urgent.
Firm measures are necessary to regulate the restitution of property and to repress strife.
The Kurdish chief Simko heads a movement to prevent their return. The Jungalis of Gilan still refuse submission to the Government, despite patient negotiations, and the situation has reached the point where sterner measures may be necessary to restore the allegiance of that province. Three noted brigands, Rejebali, Jafarkuli, and Rezajuzdani, are still marauding in the Isfahan and Yezd provinces, but the Bakhtiap Governor of Isfahan has given an undertaking to end their activities at an early date.