5 MARCH 1921, Page 2

A small force of Persian Cossacks under Riza Khan entered

Teheran on February 20th, overthrew the feeble Cabinet, and arrested its principal supporters. Riza Khan declared that his purpose was to set up a Government which could defend Persia against the Bolsheviks when the British troops evacuated the country. The Shah accepted the situation. The British Government have disclaimed all foreknowledge of this peaceful insurrection. Persian politics have come to such a pass that Rim Khan's action cannot make matters any Worse and may conceivable bring some improvement. The late

Cabinet had been negotiating with the Bolsheviks and was manifestly incapable of ruling Persia or of defending her.