891.00/1972: Telegram
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:01 p.m.]
450. Department’s 377, December 16. The two groups cannot be said to have had any particular attitude toward Allies or United States as distinct from opinion of general run of Iranian politicians. They were bent on personal aggrandizement and on getting into power. It must not be supposed these groups were engaged in anything resembling a formal coup d’état or open revolution. Rather they were engaged in machinations so common in Iran of discrediting the Government with having to gain in power.
Persons referred to were Ali Soheily, former Prime Minister, and Ebrahim Arfa, recently promoted to General.
Prime Minister has decided to permit Majlis to reopen. He feels his position is now stronger and he will have a comfortable majority. I agree fully with Department that dissolution of Majlis would be most undesirable in its long range effects and should be avoided if possible. While Qavam’s position is stronger as result of riots this is mainly because of Allied backing. People at large have turned against him and now consider him an Allied tool.
British again blundered in bringing troops to Tehran, their position vis-à-vis the Iranians having deteriorated if possible. Russians on other hand again gained in reputation by not bringing in troops. [Page 222] While Russians cannot be said to be liked by Iranians there is no doubt that their restraint and good conduct are turning many Iranians increasingly in their favor.