740.0011 European War 1939/14519: Telegram
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 30—6:45 a.m.]
118. The local political situation has tonight deteriorated into a state of confusion. This is due to two facts: (1st) the Russians have continued to bomb open towns including Kazvin in spite of the Iranians having ceased resistance; and (2nd) neither the British nor Russian Envoys have received word from their Governments as to their intentions or terms. Nervousness in Government circles has increased enormously.
The Shah and the new Cabinet take a most serious view of the new situation and the Prime Minister has so informed the British Minister. The Shah sent Ebrahim Ghavam, the father of his son-in-law, to the British Minister to express his anxiety at the delay and the continuance of hostilities. Some advisers are counselling the Shah to renew resistance while others are advising him to take flight. Ghavam also sounded out the British Minister on the possibility of the Shah taking asylum in the British Legation because of his fear of the Russians but received little encouragement on this score. The British Minister strongly advised the Government to remain in Tehran to facilitate negotiations.
The Iranian Government after having done all possible to appease the invaders and facilitate a peaceful settlement have been placed in a most difficult position. In this regard please see the penultimate paragraphs of my No. 92 of August 15, 8 a.m., and No. 99 of August 21, 2 [4] p.m. I consider important developments such as a coup or the flight of the Shah to be imminent.