891.00/1901: Telegram
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:14 p.m.]
253. Reference last two sentences my 250, August 5.5 A rather serious divergence of opinion has arisen between British Minister6 and Prime Minister7 over arrest of persons considered by British to be engaged in pro-German activities. This may adversely affect British relations and future of Qavam government which is being presented to Majlis today. Qavam consented readily to arrest of the 40 persons listed by British but now asks that written evidence against them be presented within 24 hours in accordance with Iranian law. British expect arrested persons to be turned over to them without hearing or trial by Iranians. I have frequently called Department’s attention to danger to British-Iran relations of such arbitrary treatment. British disregard of Iranian susceptibilities is causing Iran public to become increasingly bitter against them. This additional aggravation of British-Iran relations seems unnecessary since Iranian Government will assent to arrest and internment of persons against whom proper evidence is submitted.
British Minister takes view “I can’t work with a Government like this” an attitude which may cause another political crisis at time when Qavam has succeeded in forming a relatively strong Cabinet. If Qavam Cabinet falls or resigns I see little hope for constitutional government here in the near future and only alternative would seem to be direct Allied interference internal affairs of the country.