TEHERAN: The Iranian Government to­­night [June 19] broke off talks with the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company’s delegation here. The Iranians said the Company’s reply to their demand for money was unacceptable. Iran had demanded 75 per cent of all oil revenues since March 20, when the Nationalisation Law was passed. The remaining 25 per cent was to be set aside for possible compensation claims by the Company.

Premier Mohammad Mossadeq warned today that he would seize all Anglo-Iranian Oil Company’s installations in South Iran, unless it met his demand for 75 per cent of revenue. Dr Mossadeq delivered his ultimatum only a few hours before the Company’s delegation was to hold its third and crucial meeting with Iranian officials in Teheran.

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from New Delhi,] Bharati Premier Jawaharlal Nehru warned Communist China today [June 19] to keep her hands off the kingdom of Nepal. Nehru’s … broadcast over the Nepali Khatmandu Radio did not mention … China by name but reliable sources said he had in mind the Chinese invasion of Tibet which borders Nepal. “Neither Bharat nor Nepal wants to wage a war against any country,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2026