891.00/1963: Telegram
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 11—4:05 a.m.]
428. My 426.82 Riots have plunged Iranian political situation into stage of even greater confusion. Shah asked Qavam to resign yesterday. He refused. Qavam was encouraged to take this stand by promises of British support. Shah wished to form a military government under his own domination but was prevented from doing so by British support of Qavam. British Minister talked to Shah today frankly and severely making following suggestions amounting almost to an ultimatum: (1) Military Governor and Police Chief to be removed, (2) Qavam to be asked to form a new government and given full support, (3) Prime Minister and others to be compensated for damage to their properties, (4) corrupt and pro-Axis officials to be eliminated from army, (5) inquiry to be held into causes of riots, (6) British will not look with favor on importation of wheat into [Page 212] Iran unless Government is favorable to Allies, (7) Government must severely enforce hoarding laws and control [apparent omission] and Marlis [Majlis?].
Shah accepted proposals in principle and promised to adjust his differences with Qavam and ask him to form a new government. The new Qavam government will probably include Saleh, Alimote Medi, Marshal Ahmadi, Mohsen Rais, Farajull Ahbahrami, and possibly Hekmat. British wished to include Tadayyon but Russians objected. Present Ministers of Health, Posts and Justice will probably leave Cabinet.
Press has [been] suspended and curfew imposed at 8:50.