PERSIA: Null & Void

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In April 1946, while Russian troops occupied Persia's northern province of Azerbaijan, Premier Ahmad Gavam notified Ivan V. Sadchikov, Russian Ambassador to Persia, that the Persian Government agreed that the two Governments should establish a joint company "to explore and exploit oil-producing territories" in northern Persia.

Last week (one year behind schedule), Gavam reported on the oil negotiations to the Majlis (Parliament), whose consent is necessary for any foreign exploitation of Persian oil. He clearly implied that the Russian had held a pistol at his head in 1946. Now the pistol was gone, and Persia was sure of U.S. friendship. An emboldened Majlis voted 102-to-2 to declare the Premier's oil negotiations with Russia null & void. The Majlis went on to resolve that Persia would explore and develop her own oil resources, without any foreign assistance. This is not likely to happen.