We have no choice but to assume that the exalted diplomatic intellects of the Western world know what they are about, but the ordinary or tax-paying citizen cannot be blamed if at times he wonders if events haven’t skidded off into the realm of higher lunacy.

In the past several months, the minor-league country of Persia has been creating an incredible amount of trouble for the world, especially Britain. With no more intelligence or sense of responsibility or regard for the consequences than an impossibly spoiled brat, Persia has stolen the immense oil industry created by British skill and money. It has not the ability to run the industry itself, but has rejected all suggestions as to possible arrangements which would benefit everybody.

To attain some nebulous and fanatically nationalist ends, it has tried blackmail and threats, and has now brow-beaten Britain into closing down its nine consulates in Persia.

To top off its insolent, irrational and dangerous behavior, it has now taken the rare and discourteous step of refusing to accept the new ambassador Britain had appointed in a fresh attempt to come to some sensible solution of the problem. [Robert Hankey]

In short, Persia has behaved abominably throughout the piece, under the guidance of its swooning Premier Mossadegh, who undoubtedly wins the Oscar for ham actor of the year. The sternest measures, it seems abundantly clear, are called for in dealing with Persia at a time when the Western world has more than enough troubles to occupy it.

But what happens? First of all, Persia taps the World Court for $8,000,000 to tide it over the economic trouble it created by its own crass stupidity. And now, if you please, the United States hands Persia a further $24,00,000 for technical assistance and development. Not only that, but there are virtually no strings attached to this new grant. The United States, it is explained, wants to keep a foothold in Persia and therefore it waived its normal provision that countries receiving such aid must contribute to Western defence.

This kind of thing is apt to leave the ordinary men in a haze of bewilderment. The United States and Britain are supposed to be firm allies, with a common viewpoint and policy towards the threat of Communism in the Far East. But here we have one of the allies subsidizing a ridiculous character like Mossadegh so that he can continue not only to kick Britain around but also to endanger world peace even further. Doesn’t the United States think that perhaps Britain is interested in keeping a foothold in Persia, too?

There are some things heavy money won’t buy, and one of them is prestige in Asia. We can imagine no finer rat-hole than Persia down which the US can pour its money. Money won’t coax sense out of the Persians. A little judicious strong-arm persuasion might.