891.00/1958: Telegram
The Minister in Iran ( Dreyfus ) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 9—8:49 a.m.]
424. My 412 and 413, December 3. Political situation continues to deteriorate with relations between Majlis and Government at breaking point. Situation is aggravated by bread shortage, Tehran living today on reduced rations and with less than a day’s wheat supply in silo. [Page 208] Several thousand persons including women and children have been demonstrating all day in front of Majlis crying, “You may kill us but we must have bread!” Crowd is growing but so far has not got out of hand.
Situation was further aggravated by arrest today by British Army and internment at Sultanabad of General Zahidi, Governor General of Isfahan. (See Department’s 311, November 781 and my 386, November 20). This news was badly received by Prime Minister and Shah, both of whom take line that action was unfair since Iranian Government was not consulted and arbitrary because British had no right to make the arrest. Shah sent Ala to see me to register his protest against what he termed this unjustified action. Ala reports Shah said, “If the British can do this to my country they can do anything”.
Shah is now in a quandary as to proper course to pursue, whether to name a new Prime Minister, ask Qavam to reform Cabinet, or dissolve Majlis. One of these courses must be adopted at once.
Why British deliberately chose this delicate moment to arrest Zahidi is not at all evident.