NOW THAT IRAN has taken over the operation of the huge British oil concession there, Premier Mossadegh goes before his Parliament for a vote of confidence.

But the favorable vote will not provide the technological skill needed to run this billion-dollar concern. Therein lies Britain’s hope that the door which has been slammed in her face may be reopened some later day in a more hopeful atmosphere. Which may be grasping at straws.

The Iranian government cannot maintain itself without the income it has received from this concession.

But its collapse and the succession of mob rule, or of a Russian puppet regime, would still leave Britain’s 99-year lease the scrap of paper it has become.

As important as Iranian oil is to the economy of the Western world, it is of even more concern at the moment that nothing shall occur during the transfer of the property which would result in disorders of such proportions as to bring international repercussions.

No one—unless it is the Russians—wants this difficulty to explode into a shooting war.

Here again the weak Iranian government is on trial, a situation that offers very insecure footing for the dove of peace. An old order is passing in the Middle East. But its successor may have to be born out of chaos yet to come.