891.00/3–1745: Telegram

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

188. ReEmb’s 112 February 22 and 160 March 7.23 Iranian Army Chief of Staff General Arfa today gave Military Attaché24 following picture of situation with respect to security measures in Lake Rezaieh area.

[Page 366]
1.
Soviet military authorities from the beginning agreed to movement one battalion Iranian infantry from Tabriz to Mahabad but refused consent to movement of troops from outside Soviet zone. Nevertheless as previously reported force of infantry cavalry and light artillery was ordered to proceed from Saqqiz in Iranian Kurdistan to Mahabad.
2.
This force was delayed by snow. When it reached Bukan at edge of Soviet zone, Russians protested against further advance and War Minister Zand decided to halt it pending further negotiation (however before orders could reach it the column continued to Miandoab where it has halted).
3.
Soviets appear to have accepted this fait accompli but still insist that no more than one infantry battalion shall proceed at Mahabad. (At the same time, Arfa says Russian Military Attaché has promised to try to obtain modification of this position.)
4.
Arfa considers single battalion inadequate to meet potential demands on it. He thinks Soviets would like to see small Iranian force overwhelmed by Kurds as it would be evident Iranians unable maintain order in own country. Therefore, he intends to leave column at Miandoab and throw on Soviets onus of preventing establishment of proper garrison at Mahabad.

Sent to Department, repeated to Moscow and Baghdad.

Morris
  1. Latter not printed; in it the Ambassador gave a preliminary account of the Iranian attempt to move troops into the province of Azerbaijan and stated: “If I am directly approached by appropriate Iranian official I shall outline Department’s position as stated its telegram under reference [No. 106, February 27, 8 p.m., p. 363]. Otherwise I do not plan to offer advice or suggestions.” (891.00/3–745)
  2. Col. Joseph K. Baker.