891.00/2–2245: Telegram

The Ambassador in Iran (Morris) to the Secretary of State

112. At personal request of Shah, Belgian Minister Graeffe last night spoke to me about two recent incidents on which Kurdish raiders11 [Page 362] have pillaged towns in southern environs Lake Rezaieh and killed police stationed in them. Although area is within Russian zone there were no Soviet troops in vicinity and Russians have refused Iranian request for punitive action against Kurds stating they are unable intervene in internal matter this kind. Shah wishes send Iranian troops and battalion has already been despatched but with orders to halt before entering Soviet zone. Foregoing substantially confirmed to me by War Minister Zand, in part by Court Minister Ala, both of whom seem greatly disturbed.

Graeffe was charged by Shah to approach British Ambassador12 and me to ascertain whether our Governments would approve if Iranian troops were sent in to Soviet zone in pursuit of raiders. I gathered he is prepared to order them forward13 if given slightest encouragement. He is reluctant to ask Russian permission and I suspect may be disposed to create incident which would force British and Americans to take stand with respect to Soviet interference with Iranian forces. I declined to express any opinion to Graeffe and do not know whether he has yet talked to Sir Reader Bullard.

This aproach to me is undoubtedly related to keen interest being displayed by high officials including Ala in outcome of discussions on Iran which may have taken place at Crimean meeting. I have been queried repeatedly on that score but have, of course, replied that I have no information.

Sent to Department, repeated to Moscow and Baghdad.

Morris
  1. For documentation on the concern of the United States in 1942 regarding Kurdish disorders in Soviet-occupied Azerbaijan, see Foreign Relations, 1942, vol. iv, pp. 318 ff.
  2. Sir Reader Bullard.
  3. In telegram 118, February 24, 1945, the Ambassador in Iran reported information from the Belgian Minister that the Shah had ordered Iranian troops to continue into the Soviet zone but with instructions to halt and request new orders if Soviet opposition materialized (891.00/2–2445).