891.00/3–1945: Telegram

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

194. Re Embassy’s 112, February 22; 160, March 7;25 and 188, March 17. Foreign Minister Entezam told me today he was seriously disturbed by question of Iranian security forces in Azerbaijan. According to his version of story Iranian force from Saqqiz which entered Soviet zone has been withdrawn from zone in response to Russian protest. Reason advanced by Russian Military Attaché to Chief of Staff for objecting is that introduction of fresh forces from outside might cause friction with Soviet military forces. Entezam reiterated General Arfa’s statement that it was impracticable to accept Russian suggestion that detachment be sent to Mahabad from Tabriz saying available force of 450 men would be entirely inadequate.

He asked me about the attitude of my Government toward this situation. I outlined views set forth in Department’s 106, February 27, to which he replied that knowledge of this attitude had been brought to his attention by his Minister in Washington.

[Page 367]

Entezam was to see Soviet Ambassador Maximov this afternoon but admitted he had little hope of obtaining satisfaction from him. Failing this he wished to present a statement of the case simultaneously to Russian, British and American Governments emphasizing that Iranian Government considered Soviet attitude as breach of tripartite treaty and contrary to Declaration of Tehran. I suggested it would be better to make this approach first to the Russians alone; then if they rejected it he might put the problem up to the British and American Governments for such consideration as they might be able to give it. He agreed. It remains to be seen of course whether this plan of action will be adopted as it has yet to receive a Cabinet sanction.

I urged on Entezam importance of avoiding any armed clash and of settling matter through diplomatic channels.

Sent to Department as 194, repeated to Moscow as 57, Baghdad as 24 and London as 12.

Morris
  1. Telegram 160 not printed, but see footnote 23, p. 365.