Those who may seek a straw in the portentous wind that is ruffling political affairs in oil rich Persia can find it in the list of May Day callers on the Middle Eastern country’s new prime minister.

First diplomat to pay his respects to Mohammed Mossadegh, who led the successful fight to wrest Persia’s fabulous from British control, was Russian Ambassador Ivan Sadchikov.

This might seem perfectly natural, as Sadchikov is dean of Tehran’s diplomatic colony. But when the slain Prime Minister Haji [sic] Ali Razmara was appointed last June Sadchikov delayed five weeks before making his official call.

Much has happened in Persia since then. The outlawed Moscow-supported Tudeh party, in covert alliance with murderous religious fanatics, has stepped up its activities. British, and also American, prestige has withered to a minus quantity. Relations with Russia have been cozier than at any time since the war.

Mossadegh has been the bitterest foe of foreign influence in Persia. But his invective has been much less violent toward Russia than toward Britain and America.

In modern history Persia has never been free from foreign influence, often amounting to intervention. With the British passing from the scene and an antiwestem premier in power this troubled nation is closer to the hub of the bear which seeks to embrace her oil fields.

Mossadegh’s May Day visitor may turn out be the man who came to dinner.