891.00/1862: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Standley)
203. The Legation at Tehran reports that activities of rebellious Kurdish tribes in Rezaieh section of Azerbaijan are creating a serious situation, which Iranian Government is unable to handle because of Soviet refusal to permit return of Iranian troops to that region. Iranian Government has protested to Soviet and requested their collaboration in accordance with letter and spirit of the Anglo-Russian-Iranian treaty of alliance. The Shah has expressed the hope that the United States would support the Iranian position.
If you perceive no objection, please endeavor to find an occasion to discuss the concern of your Government at the disorder which appears to have prevailed recently in North Kurdistan. In the course of your conversation you may advance the following as some of the reasons for your Government’s anxiety:
- 1:
- As the Soviet Government is undoubtedly aware, the Axis propaganda agencies have been making great capital out of the Kurdish uprisings, which they charge are fomented and encouraged by the Russians as part of a plan to annex the portions of Iran now occupied by Soviet forces. This propaganda, which is directed especially at Turkey and Iraq, as well as Iran, might well have very unfortunate repercussions on the position of the United Nations in that vital area.
- 2:
- American lives and property are endangered. The wife of an American correspondent has already been killed by Kurds not far from Tabriz.
- 3:
- On one occasion the Axis radio stated that forces of Rashid Ali Gailani, rebel Iraqi leader, had joined the Kurds in Iran. While this may not be true, it is felt that the Kurdish revolt nevertheless offers a potential opportunity which could be exploited by the enemy and might even create difficulties in connection with the maintenance of the supply line to Russia via Iran.
In the light of the above, this Government hopes that the Soviet Government will take such steps as may be necessary to enable the authorities responsible for the maintenance of law and order to put an end to the existing disorders.
The Iranian Government is not being informed of this communication and you should not indicate to the Soviet Government that the intervention of the United States was requested by Iran.
For your information, local Soviet and Iranian officials in Azerbaijan met with Kurdish leaders a few days ago, and it is understood that demands of the Kurds have been referred to Tehran and the appropriate Russian authorities.
Please keep Department promptly informed of developments.