740.0011 European War 1939/14469: Telegram
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 28—2:57 p.m.]
110. The calm which has prevailed in Tehran is rapidly giving way to nervousness and fear. Contributory causes are the Russian bombing of open towns particularly nearby Kazvin yesterday and growing realization that the Shah may not after all be able to settle matters amicably with his alleged good friends, the British. The drone of Iranian airplanes overhead, the surge of rumors, shortage of food, fear of Tehran being bombed, and the dread of the advancing Russians are also playing their part. The food situation continues unimproved and near riots are developing in food and kerosene cues. The Imperial Bank closed for a short time yesterday due to a run. Gendarmerie police are still in full control and there have yet been no important incidents [apparent omission] is potentially dangerous and may degenerate into rioting.
Our citizens in Tehran are well and calm and those in outlying section are believed to be safe. Arrangements have been made for our missionaries throughout the country to get in touch with the Legation through the mission headquarters in Tehran in case of danger or [Page 427] harm to them. Mr. Boyce3 has just informed me that Hamadan and others are in touch with the mission on routine matters and have reported no difficulties.
About 800 Germans have taken refuge in the German Legation and some 350 British Indians and Allied nationals have been taken into the 2 British compounds. Our American staff and citizens in Tehran have not yet considered it necessary to accept my offer to grant them refuge in the Legation compound and I consequently continue to refuse to take in numerous Czechs and other nationals who are applying for admission.
There is little reliable news in Tehran of the actual military situation and Iranian communiqué number 1, issued last night covering the first day gives no news of value. While reinforcements continue to move towards the frontiers and while general mobilization has not been ordered additional soldiers are being drafted.
Military resistance is being offered but I am of the opinion that it is so impotent that it will collapse within a few days unless foreign assistance is received.
- Arthur C. Boyce, representative of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions.↩