PERSIA: Full Apology

Apropos of the untimely death (TIME, July 28) of U. S. Consul Robert W. Imbrie, there came from Teheran to Washington a note in answer to the stern warning sent by the U. S. State Department (TIME, Aug. 4). Excerpts:

Many of the persons who were either suspected or were accused of committing the crime have, regardless of the class to which they belong, been arrested. Other persons who participated will shortly, as a result of the vigorous efforts of the Government, be apprehended and the culprits will receive drastic punishment after their trial.

Considering the official status of Mr. Imbrie, the deceased, the Persian Government agrees with the suggestion of the United States Government that the body of Mr. Imbrie be accorded honors during its transportation. The Persian Government it concerned over thw matter to such an extent that it would ship the remains of the deceased Consul to America-aboard a Persian man-of-war if Persia possessed one. But inasmuch as it is unable to do so, it agrees to pay the expenses which may be incurred by the despatch of an American man-of-war to receive the remains.

The Persian Government declared the protection of Americans to be a “positive duty,” promised that no stone would in the future be left unturned to guard American life and property. It also said that “the Government and people of Persia are extremely chagrined and depressed” by the violent death of Major Imbrie at the hands of a fanatical mob.