740.0011 European War 1939/14752: Telegram
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 6—11:07 a.m.]
138. The British and Russian notes on the expulsion of Axis nationals were delivered to the Iranian Government at noon today. As indicated in my No. 13734 they are more severe than the original demands and will require the expulsion of the German, Italian, Hungarian, Bulgarian and Rumanian colonies. The private citizens will be required to proceed to Ahwaz to await transportation to Indoid [India?] for internment. The Legations of these countries will also be required to leave Iran. In addition the Russians are demanding that certain named persons are turned over to them. The British reply to other Iranian suggestions regarding terms is expected from London tomorrow.
The Foreign Minister is appealing to the British to grant safe conduct to Turkey en route to Germany for the women and children and to intern the men of military age near Shiraz under British control. He urges this concession because he feels the Government is so weak that it could not survive the bad effects the Allied action would have on public opinion. The British Minister is however standing firm because he was reprimanded by London for suggesting more liberal terms at the time of the incident referred to in my 130.35
The Foreign Minister who has just left the Legation sees no ray of hope for the Government or the people. He feels that the Cabinet will have to resign, that the situation will become chaotic, and he even fears Tehran may be occupied by Allied troops.
The Government is, as Foreign Minister indicates, in a precarious position. The Shah’s prestige sinks ever lower and the tide has so turned against him that his disappearance from the scene is probable.
Conditions in Tehran are quiet with martial law and curfew at 9 p.m. continuing.