It is for reasons such as these that we have
welcomed the modesty and moderation with which at Coventry Mr. Eden referred to the Persian situation. He might well have claimed a resounding diplomatic triumph, or draped the realism of our action in the fabrics of self-righteousness. He did neither of these things ; he did not pretend that our invasion of Iran was anything else than a harsh operation of war. He treated the- whole transaction with calm outspokenness ; he used no false words. The Russians meanwhile have occupied Azerbaijan and assumed control of the Caspian provinces ; a joint Asiatic front, with life-lines and pipe-lines complete, has been estab- lished almost overnight. The Shah issued his order for cease- fire, and the aged Ferooghi was dragged from his scholarly labours on the final edition of Ferdausi and placed at the head of a Cabinet with which, we trust, solid relations can be main- tained. This demonstration of prompt and conjoint power on the part of the British and Russian Governments will echo throughout Asia. It stabilises an area of uncertainty ; it opens out an area for future action.
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