891.00/1787: Telegram
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 29—2:25 p.m.]
171. Reference my No. 16748 and Department’s 96.49 Foreign Minister yesterday expressed to me his great preoccupation at present unsatisfactory political and economic position of this country. Iran, he says has willingly met every demand only to be presented with new ones. Deputies and others are asking when will the Allies stop making demands and do something concrete to help Iran out of its difficulties. Since this conversation British Minister has informed me his Government is presenting to the Iranians a draft of a treaty of alliance, which will make definite guarantees and give substantial assistance. In addition Wavell50 is here discussing among other things the withdrawal of troops from Tehran. Telegraph service has [Page 465] been reestablished with almost all points in the north including Tabriz.
While British indicate their desire to assist Iran and live up to their formal assurances Russian propaganda continues. A Russian newspaper printed in Persian called “Thoughts of the People” is disseminating Russian propaganda. In a recent number it refers to high prices in Iran and asks when will the people stop living an impoverished life and begin to live like human beings. It prints a caricature of the former Shah, it criticizes the Foroughi51 Government and it calls attention to the happy state of the United States [sic], begs [sic] now that they are Sovietized.
While public security is being adequately maintained by occupying forces in the cities it is degenerating in the rural areas. There are widespread and apparently true reports of restlessness and disorder among the tribes particularly the Curds and Lurs who have obtained arms abandoned by Iranian forces. The benefits of the ex-Shah’s greatest achievement, that of subduing the tribes, may be lost unless energetic action is taken by the Iranians who will probably in view of their present weak condition require assistance from occupying forces.