We don’t know much about Iran. Out here in Kansas Iran seems far, far away. Korea, because our boys are fighting there, seems closer to us than the Persian country. However, we know there is trouble in Persia over oil. Britain has control over the oil. Russia wants it and America cannot afford to lose access to it. But Iran wants to take it over.

Britain is opposing the nationalization of the Iran oil industry, which the present impulsive government over there is agitating for. Over here, we fail to appreciate the British view. Britain has nationalized a great portion of her own business and industry, yet she is opposing the same thing in Iran. The whole thing resembles a riddle to most of us.

Reports from Washington are that the tense situation may finally be eased by a compromise similar to that worked out when Mexico expropriated U.S. oil properties in 1938. If Iran authorities would follow such a course, Britain still would be able to get Iranian oil — by buying it, of course. In Mexico, foreign claims against the Mexican government were paid in part over a period of years and signed purchase agreements. U.S. oil companies may have taken a licking, but so far the Mexico situation has remained quiet.

Perhaps pressure from this country will soon influence the British toward negotiations that the Iranian government might accept. Some sort of compromise must be reached if Iran is not to become another powder keg around the rim of the iron curtain. —E. T. L.