740.0011 European War 1939/15733: Telegram
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:10 p.m.]
182. I was received in audience by the Shah at his revue [sic] yesterday at 5 p.m. We conversed alone in French for 2 hours.
Shah began by expressing his belief in Allied victory and added that he voluntarily espouses democratic cause because he is strongly against totalitarian doctrine.
He regretted delay in signing treaty of alliance which he attributed to lack of understanding between the two allies which he added prevented him from beginning to prepare his army for vigorous defense against Germany.
He stated that while he does not object to British occupation, he does seriously object to that by the Russians which is having a disastrous effect on Iran. He repeated some of the numerous stories of Russian atrocities and political connivance which now form the main topic of conversation here. He added that if there is much more delay in signing the alliance and if the present Russian conduct continues the Majlis and the people may refuse to support Russia as an ally.
Shah accused Turkey of lack of loyalty to the Allies in their negotiations with Germany.
After remarking that his father had been unfortunate in being surrounded by bad advisers, he said he would govern constitutionally and look after welfare of his people. He closed the conversation by referring [Page 471] warmly to the United States which he thought would play an important role in the peace. He said he would be very happy to be an ally of America.