When Britain named a new ambassador to Iran, [Robert Hankey] the move generally was accepted as a gesture of conciliation toward the Mossadegh government. It appeared the British were ready to start afresh, to lay the ground for renewed negotiations.

But Premier Mossadegh of Iran declined to accept the new ambassador. Coming on the heels of his sharp order closing nine British consulates, his action can only be viewed as one of extreme, almost irrational hostility.

Just how this benefits an Iran which currently is producing little oil, has no market for a larger product and is financially on the rocks is not plainly evident.

Indeed, there is no consistent thread of concern for Iranian security and welfare running through Mossadegh’s policies.

The only consistency is his apparently unshakable determination not to deal with the British unless they yield 100 per cent to his demands.

But stubborn inflexibility and blazing hatred for the British “interloper” are hardly enough to sustain a country in Iran’s precarious position. How much longer can Mossadegh indulge his emotions without plunging his country into economic ruin?