The military and political importance of these air lines is obvious, for they will establish rapid communications between Soviet Russia on one hand, and Turkey and Persia on the other. A further instance of the attitude of Soviet Russia toward air power may be found in an article printed in a recent issue of the Air Fleet Messenger, the Soviet aeronautical organ, in which the writer emphasizes the necessity of creating a strong air force in the Republic of Turkestan for the purpose of seconding the revolutionary movement in British India. Still another instance of this kind is afforded by the news that Afghanistan has begun to organize an air force and that the first consignment of nine airplanes has reached there from Russia.” 17 May 1923 18 May 1923 Sir Percy Loraine sent a telegram to Political Department, London in relation to a proposed flight of “a large unarmed military aeroplane” from Baghdad to Tehran- “Political value must not of course be exaggerated but the visit would be useful offset to that of Russian aeroplane last month, would certainly make a considerable impression and demonstrate vast superiority of British aircraft. Effect would be much enhanced if arrival coincided with celebration of King’s birthday June 2nd. Landing facilities are adequate but not sheltered, bad weather however unlikely. Co-operation with Persian authorities to clear and guard landing ground. I think flight should be explained and suggest explaining it as complimentary visit to Persia in the same way as visit of His Majesty’s ships to a Persian port. If there are other objects I should like to be informed. I do not see how Persian government could well refuse permission and think best way would be for me to arrange matters privately with Minister of War. It would certainly be a mistake to send machine without consulting Persian government.” (By 16 June 1923 the Persian government had granted permission, but on 8 July 1923 Sir Percy Loraine had to send a further telegram stating – “Persian government fear present moment is not opportune for visit of aeroplane owing to highly excited state of public opinion and fear it might give rise to hostile demonstration.” <L PS 11 232 1435> 31 May 1923 Junkers Luftverkehr Russland opened an experimental air line from Moscow to Tiflis, stating that this line forms part of a plan to connect Leningrad with Stockholm on the one hand, and with Teheran on the other.
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