The First Phase in Persia
The abdication of the Shah of Persia, the formation of a new Government of. reform under the new Shah, and the surrender of some hundreds of Germans and Nazi agents appear to round off the first phase in the developing situation in Persia. But the first phase only. If the Germans have anything like the success fbr which they are fighting hard in southern Russia, Persia will come into the front of the picture ; and because they are already looking forward to that we may be sure they will leave no stone unturned to stir up fresh trouble behind our backs. With the strong position we have now secured we ought to be able to frustrate any such efforts, but to do so firmness and unceasing vigilance are necessary. Some of the German agents have escaped, and not all may have gone across the frontier ; and there are Iraqi rebels who fled to Persia, not all of whom have been rounded up. Armed, brigands are at large in various parts of the country, and restive tribal chiefs in Kurdistan are defying the impotent Persian Army. Sabotage on the very vulnerable Trans-Persian railway might do much damage to the communications on which speedy help to Russia depends. The British authori- ties must ensure that the indispensable railway and roads are protected, and also watch the internal situation vigilantly with a view to strengthening the hands of the new Government, from whom the people have been led to expect reforms. Geographically, Persia is the key to Anglo-Russian co-operation, and the British and the Russians cannot allow diplomatic finesse to stand in the way of their effective control of the situation. During this critical period they must remain the force behind the throne.
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