891.00/1865: Telegram
The Minister in Iran ( Dreyfus ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 3—10:16 a.m.]
138. Referring to my no. 134, May 1, 4 p.m. The Prime Minister handed me in confidence a copy of a telegram he sent in French on April 30 to Molotov69 with copy to Eden.70 A translation follows:
“In order to prevent eventual disorders in Azerbaijan, the Iranian Government has wished on several occasions to send sufficient forces to Rezaieh. The Soviet military authorities have always opposed this in express contradiction to the terms of the Treaty of Alliance71 and contrary to the close collaboration which should be established between the two Governments after its signature. The apprehensions of the Iranian Government have unfortunately become a reality. According to information received during the last few days armed hands [bands?] and Kurdish rebels are devastating the country and besieging [Page 320] defenceless Rezaieh. Thousands of peasants and peaceful inhabitants, whose property has been pillaged, have had to abandon their fields and homes to take refuge in the city where famine already reigns. Regrettable incidents of pillage and massacre may recur at any moment. I consider it my duty to bring these facts directly to your knowledge, begging you to please issue immediate orders to the Soviet military authorities not to thwart the measures being taken by the Government to collaborate with the local Iranian authorities to maintain order until the arrival of Iranian troops. I beg you to please lend your good offices to obtain this favorable result.”