891.00/1966: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran (Dreyfus)
377. Your 434, December 13, 1942. Can you give us an indication of the probable attitude toward the Allies and the United States in particular of the two groups, military and civilian, believed to have been responsible for Tehran riots? Do you think leaders had any ultimate objective other than personal aggrandizement?
[Page 221]Is the Colonel Arfa you mention Ibrahim Arfa or his brother?
Is the Ali Soheli mentioned the former Prime Minister Ali Soheily?
Reference your statement regarding possible necessity of a dissolution of Mejlis, Department wishes you to give most careful consideration to this matter. Although we recognize difficulties which that body creates, we feel that only the most weighty reasons should be allowed to influence a decision to suppress an institution of this sort. We are also apprehensive of the effect such action might have upon Iranian public opinion. For your confidential information, we have recently discussed this subject personally with Saleh,86 who has pointed out that with all its faults the Mejlis serves as a safety valve for the expression of opposition which might otherwise manifest itself in the form of violence. He further points out that it is easier for foreign or domestic intriguers to influence or bring pressure upon the Cabinet when it is unchecked by a large body such as the Mejlis.
- Allah Yar Saleh, Chairman of Iranian Trade and Economic Commission.↩