The special correspondent of the Times at Tabriz draws in
Wednesday's paper a gloomy picture of the situation. When business reopens, only ninety per cent. of the small traders will be able to meet their engagements. There is no security in the town, and all the foreign residents are conscious that their lives depend upon the goodwill and success of the Nationalists. The correspondent makes a serious charge against the Russian Consul. For many weeks be has suggested that this official has worked in the interests of reaction, and without loyalty to his colleagues. Now with more definiteness he declares that the Consul has been deliberately carrying on negotiations with the Royalist troops without once consulting the Consular Corps. The correspondent proposes that the British Consul- General, who is at Lake Urumiah, should be recalled to Tabriz, where he is urgently wanted, now that the danger of Turkish complications on the frontier is past. As for the charges against the Russian Consul, we can only say that the Times correspondent is a trained and careful observer. It is one more instance of the intractability of Russian agents abroad. We do not believe the Russian Government has authorised his acts, but we hope that it will be able to control him now that the mischief has been pointed out.
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