891.00/1962: Telegram
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 10—4:53 p.m.]
427. My 426. British Minister informs me a battalion of British troops now at Qum will arrive in Tehran this afternoon marching through city and taking up quarters at race track. He states this action necessary to protect British property and military installations in Tehran. It is not yet known whether Russians will also bring troops to Tehran.
The exact causes of the Tehran riots are obscure. British Legation is spreading story that it was part of a German plot and Russian Ambassador in conversation with me supported this view. I am not at all convinced that this is true. Iranians believe that riots were inspired by the British or Russians.
It seems probable to me riots grew spontaneously as uncontrolled crowds increased, crowds desperate account food shortage and made bitter by belief their woes are due to British and Russian invaders. However, in long range sense it seems to me British have much responsibility. I should not like to state categorically that British have [Page 210] incited disturbances or connived at deterioration of situation in order to bring troops into Tehran with ultimate objective of gaining political control. There are, however, numerous indications that this is true (see my Nos. 359, 361, 362, 365 and 375 of November 4, 6, 7, 9 and 14). I know that British have failed for some reason to bring to Tehran 3500 tons barley and 1500 tons flour earmarked for Iran and held at Basra at a time when they are desperately needed. Sheridan informs me Prime Minister told him today that when he urged British Minister to hasten arrival these cereals latter replied to effect he did not see why he should help Iranians when British are being abused and slandered in streets of Tehran. Counsellor of British Legation told me today British Minister will tell Shah today he cannot favor bringing cereals to Iran when country is so hostile to Allies.
I still urge Department to expedite shipment of 25,000 tons wheat and to arrange, if possible, for wheat loan for Iran from a nearby country.