Evening star., 1946-02-23
Russo-British Crisis
Looms in Middle East
Iranian Dispute Seen Heraldins
Soviet Drive for Control
By BueI W. Patch

DV DHct W utCH
Submission to the United Nations
Security Council of charges Of Soviet
interference in the internal affairs Of
Iran failed to produce settlement Of
the dispute, which was left to direct
negotiations between Moscow and Tehe-
ran. However, discussion at London Of
the Hanian charges and of Soviet coun-
tercharges relating to presence of Brit
ish troops in Greece and Indonesia
served to point to the fact that all these
separate controversies are basically ex-
pressions of larger conflict. That Is
the conflict which looms from Russias
obvious intention to challenge British
influence and interests in the Middle
East and the Mediterranean
The evidences of Russia's intention
are numerous. Among them are Soviet
support. of the revolutionary govern
ment in the northwestern Iranian prov
ince Of Azerbaijan, Moscow's publicizing
Of demands for cession to Russia of
sizable section of Northeastern Turkey,
and indications of Soviet determination
to dominate the Dardanelles Whether
Moscow's purpose is to buttress Russian
security, to gain new oil resources, or
something else, pursuit of the policies
now developing is bound to arouse Brit
ish opposition. Britain in years past
always resisted Czarist ambitions to ex-
pand southwark toward the Mediter-
ranean and the Persian Gulf. Similar
Soviet ambitions are viewed in present.
day Britain as an equal threat to the
lifeline of empire"
An Old Conflict.
Iran where the conflict has recently
focused, has been a scene of Anglo
Russian rivalry since the beginning Of
the 10th century. That country forms a
bridge from the Caspian Sea to the Per-
sian Gulf, from Russia to India. Its
role as a buffer between two empires
was emphasized in 1907, when an Anglo
Russian agreement divided the territory
into British sphere of influence in the
south and Russian sphere in the north.
Russia had long dominated the country
commercially. After 1907 she seemed to
be preparing for annexation Of the
northern section. Meanwhile, British
interests in Southern Iran had become
vital with development of excessive Oil
deposits there.
After the Russian revolution, British
forces occupied all of Iran, and at the
end Of World War the nation appeared
destined to come permanently under
close British influence. British prestige
was damaged, however, when the Soviet
Union voluntarily surrendered all Rus
sian property and concessions in Iran.
At this moment government power at
Teheran was seized by a nationalist,
who dismissed all British advisers and
in 1925 had himself crowned Shah. His
dictatorial rule came to an end in l941
when British and Soviet forces moved
into Iran to forestall Nad penetration
and open supply corridor to Russia.
American military and civilian missions
came later. United States forces were
withdrawn at the end of 1945 After
the Azerbaijan revolt in November,
Washington suggested that the Russians
and British likewise withdraw immedi-
ately. But when Moscow refused to
oPSSo oP CfdShdtiOil, iOIlQOL dSO
refused. Soviet and British troops are
now scheduled to be out Of the country
by March 2, 1946
Exclusive Control Sought.
The territory sought by Russia in
Northeastern Turkey comprises the dis
tricts Of Kars and Ardahan and q belt
OF territory stretching 180 miles along
the Black Sea from the present Soviet
frontier near the oil port of Batum. The
area has mixed population but a
Mohammedan majority. 1t was under
Turkish rule for centuries before 1873
when Russia conquered it. The Soviet
government returned the region to
Turkey after World War I. Security
| appears to be the primary consideration
behind the Soviet desire to regain it
now Security is likewise the main factor
| in reported Soviet demands for bases
on the Dardanelles. 1t is agreed that
the rules governing the straits need re-
vision. The United States has already
proposed changes in the Montreux con-
! vention that would increase Russia's
voice in control of the waterway. But
the suggested changes are said not to
satisfy Moscow, which apparently is
disposed to hold out for what would
amount to exclusive Soviet control