891.00/1862: Telegram

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

134. Kuniholm66 reports deterioration of situation at Rezaieh where Kurds are attacking 800 gendarmes outside city and demand (1) a treaty (2) right to circulate armed in city and (3) abolition of gendarmes’ posts. He is of opinion that Iranian troops must be allowed to proceed to that region if conditions are to improve. He fears if Russians suffer reverses in Caucasia whole of Azerbaijan will, in absence of strong military forces, fall prey to attack and pillage by Kurds. Situation he says might improve were Soviets to let Kurds know they disapprove of their action.

Seriousness of situation in Rezaieh is confirmed by other sources and it is said several towns are surrounded by Kurds. Prime Minister67 gave me copy of note he is addressing to Soviet Ambassador in which he attributes alarming conditions at Rezaieh to Soviet refusal to permit troops to proceed there. He stated Iranian Government has right to expect to receive such permission in view of its treaty with Russia. Shah called me yesterday and talked at length along some [same] lines. He suggested bitterly than [that] Iran is treated in this shabby manner because she is small and weak and that Russians and British would not dare to treat Turkey in similar manner. Iran he said is in treaty relations with Russia as an oversize [Page 319] [a sovereign] state and there is no reason why Iranian troops should be denied right to maintain law and order. He expressed hope that help from United States in this regard would be forthcoming. I feel that representations to the Soviet Government along these lines would be helpful.

I discussed matter with Soviet Ambassador who expressed belief that Iranian gendarmes are sufficient in number to maintain order at Rezaieh if they really tried. I do not agree with this opinion.

Press apparently in fear of Soviet or under their domination plays down conditions in north and refers frequently to Iran’s good relations with northern neighbor.

In British zone in central Kurdistan there have been large scale clash[es] between Iranian troops and Kurds under leadership of Hamarashid with many casualties. It is reported that morale of Iranian troops there is low and that Kurds have firm grip on some sections.

Strong military action seems to be necessary if Kurdish disturbances are to be put down. However, a long range solution must be found along lines suggested by British (see end of my despatch 212, February 1968). Iranian Government recognize necessity of this and a committee has already been set up to examine into tribal grievances and seek broad solution.

Dreyfus
  1. Bertel E. Kuniholm, Consul at Tabriz.
  2. Ali Soheily.
  3. Not printed.