Whatever may be said for or against Iran’s prime minister his political cunning demands respect. Dr. Mossadegh has returned from the United States with little to show for his trip to argue the British oil controversy before the United Nations. And in his absence, foes of his regime had grown bolder. According to the forecasts frequently voiced, Mossadegh was headed for trouble.

But what has happened? The populace acclaimed the premier and extended a hero’s welcome. The deputies in the lower house of Iran’s parliament have voted confidence unanimously. In a shrewd bit of maneuvering the premier linked legislation for immediate elections with the vote of confidence thus forcing the deputies to reverse earlier stand to delay the poll until December. Mossadegh is not only riding but also making good use of his popularity.

How long this legerdemain will avail is another matter. Mossadegh managed to cover his failure to compel the British to surrender on the oil property confiscation issue by stepping into the spotlight beside Egypt’s rulers who are defying the British and attempting to seize the Suez Canal. En route home, Mossadegh detoured to Cairo and there posed with Premier Nahas Pasha. It was a trick, of course, to inflame nationalist sentiment. In reality Iran and Egypt can contribute nothing to their mutual advantage. But appearance of solidarity appeals to the emotions. In this case it assured Mossadegh of a riotous welcome.

Perhaps the British faction that insists the Mossadegh regime will collapse in time is right. But it must be admitted that premier is a master at staving off the consequences of disruption of the Iranian economy through loss of oil revenues. The sounder minds in Iran may scorn Mossadegh and criticize him up to a point that risks their own safety. When the wily leader stirs up the mobs the opposition must fall into line or face assassination. Not many deputies relish martyrdom, as the 90 to 0 vote in the Majlis indicates. [vote of confidence]

Eventually the austerity that Mossadegn is imposing may drain the fever from the applauding mobs. It would seem that even the most emotional follower will some day become jaded and awaken to the futility of repeated promises. Mossadegh is telling his people that they can produce and market their oil and that is something that remains to be demonstrated. He is telling the Iranians that the outlook is favorable for financial assistance from the United States and that is misleading the people, to state it kindly. And while his claims are accepted at face value he will stage elections. He is playing this game to the hilt and appears unconcerned about the day when unredeemed promises rise to haunt him. It is quite a tribute to Mossadegh that his opponents give so much thought to the aftermath of economic collapse in Iran. The West is concerned lest the oil-rich country fall under Russia’s domination. And not a few patriotic Iranians express dread of such a development. It may be that Mossadegh is counting on this apprehension to bring about a compromise that would enable him to end the controversy without losing face.