The Washington times., 1921-04-10

Russia. the southern to Great Britain.
The terms of the convention were
generally understood. and little obiec-
tion was made by the cabinets OF Cen
trail Europe. The neutrals were not
asked at all, naturally. As Is usually
the case. the convention was a highly
moral document sort OF virtuous
blanket-warrant under which Russia
and Great Britain could do what ever
they pleased so long as Germany did
not object.
PERSIA SEEKS TO RID
SELF OF TRADE GRIP.
As last attempt to keep frcm fall!
ing entirely to the level OF 2 Russo
British satrapy. Persia, through it's
Parliament. decided to place the
financial administration of the coun-
try into the hands OF a capable ma
tional of q power not interested in
the occupation
The British and Russian govern
ments were adverse to this, but Grey
finally succeeded in having Russia
sanction the appointment of Morgan
Shuster. a citizen OF the United States
The Department of State was inter-
ested in the matter. and gave it's con-
sent, which Sazonoff wanted to have
nullif1ed later, though Grey supported
the appointment of Shuster, who was
known as being pro-British.
Very soon 1t was plain that Shuster
usually favored the British side of
question and so II came that Russia.
for the purpose of removing British
influence in North Persia. sent to the
Persian Parliament an ultimatum. ac-
cording to which MI. Shuster was TO
be dismissed
The first reply OF the Persian Par.
lament was that it would stand by
it's rights. but the second resulted in
the dismissal Of Shuster. Sazonoff had
his way, because Grey feared that
further Russian outrages in Persia
might lead to general uprising in
the country and throughout the Mo-
hammedan world.
The case of Persia Is especially IN
teresting because It shows with what
ruthlessncss. lack of honesty, and
criminal intent modern diplomacy
goes to work to gain it's end.
ENGLAND AND RUSSIA
TO DOMINATE ROADS.
The British Foreign Office to
BenckendOrff, Russiam ambassador
to Great Britain. Memorandum;
dated October 9, 1908.
His matesty's government attach
the highest importance to a complete
understanding with the Russian gov
ernment in the question "a railway
through Persia to Bagdad). They con-
slider, however for reasons which Will
be indicated forthwith that any co.,
vention now concluded by the two
powers with the Persian government
should be Of a protective character
and calculated to assure to Greu.
Britain and Russia a secure position
as regards enterprises involving no
litical issues whenever the time is ripe
for construction.
His majesty's government are of
the opinion that in view of the i'm
portant political interests at issue,
Great Britain and Russia would be
fully justified in informing the Per-
sian government that. in the event OF
railway communications being estab-
lished in Persia, they would expec. TO
have the refusal upon terms equally
favorable to any. offered by third par
ties, of all concessions which nigh. Lc
In contemplation"
The intent of this note Is that the
Persian government was to turn down
concessions, no matter by whom m.h..
in favor of the British and Russians.
Diplomatically viewed. such Is the
sum and substance of the langua &c
employed, because the words upon
terms equally favorable to any" mean
that and nothing more, as will bo
shown further on.
RUSSIA DESIRED
SHAH TO REMAIN.
There is no doubt that Russia de-
sired the Shah to remain at the head
OF the Persian government. He was
n favorite, especially in Paris and
Petrograd, but that did not prevent
the Russian government from accent
ing the dictum OF the Persian reyolu-
tionarics that overthrow the rule of
this wholly unfit sovereign. Bu. di-
plomacy knows how to make use OF
accidents, as well as OF nciI snIs and
one another upon an
Improvement in their relations to
which neither contributed. t..
In July of that year the sovere,sns
of Russia and Great Britain met at
Cowes, Whild George and Nicholas
and their wives were vicwing re-
gattas, Iswolsky. Russian foreign
was negotiating with The
British ministers. Benckendorfys re-
port. addressed to tho ministry of
foreign AFFAIRS. dated August ala.
1909. says In part:
"Grpy has admitted that any fear