891.00/1961: Telegram

The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State

426. My 424, December 8. Situation quieter today though nervous tension is high and shooting is still to be heard in city. Tehran commerce tightly closed and potentially dangerous crowds throng streets.

Shah has placed Field Marshal Ahmadi in charge to restore order. Police and army patrolling city today in force.

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Riots yesterday started with demonstration on front of Majlis by school children demanding bread. Accumulating crowds grew increasingly restive as it became clear police were not taking action. Afternoon mobs marched to business section breaking windows and looting food stores first and later any shops into which they could gain access. It was not until situation was desperate that police received orders to take action. Police and army went into action with few tanks and machine guns clearing main mobs although isolated acts looting, personal violence, robbery and attacks on cars continued. Responsibility for early shameful lack of police action not yet established nor is it yet established who was responsible for allowing school children led by teachers to demonstrate.

Tehran’s business section is badly damaged, numerous stores being gutted and little exposed glass left intact. House of Prime Minister was sacked. Majlis was entered and some damage done. Several persons were killed and many injured. No Americans reported to have suffered injury or damage to property. Drastic action will be necessary prevent recurrence.

It is reported British will bring into Tehran some of their forces now stationed at Qum. Political aspect will be covered in separate telegrams.

Dreyfus