891.00/2035: Telegram
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 5—11:24 p.m.]
801. Department’s 377, July [29]. After discussing with British Minister, Ridley, Schwarzkopf and Foreign Minister90 general question of recruitment of special Iranian force I do not believe British intend to develop this idea. Schwarzkopf’s impression is that Pownall was only exploring the ground and had in mind perhaps a small force of levies for railway security to effect that British have sent troops to Southern Iran to take care of convoy security. Ridley told me in strictest confidence that the tribal situation will be met by calling upon additional 10,000 conscripts to create a special striking force. He stated that this force cannot for various reasons including lack of money and equipment be brought into being before winter or spring.
An important and potentially dangerous development in Kashkai situation is the appointment of Qavam-ol-Molk as Governor General of Fars. Qavam family has been for centuries leading family of Fars and the Hamseh tribes they control are traditional and bitter enemies of Kashkais. It is widely believed since Qavam has long been known as British tool that British engineered the appointment for purpose of endeavoring to break Kashkai power in Fars by encouraging the Qavam tribes. It is reported that Qavam will distribute arms among his tribes for use in fighting Kashkais. Millspaugh informs me confidentially that he has been requested by Government to approve a large grant of money to Qavam but that he has not yet consented. There is strong opposition in press and Majlis to Qavam appointment on grounds that tribal situation can only be aggravated by arming one tribe to fight another.
- Mohammad Saed.↩