891.00/9–1445: Telegram

The Chargé in the Soviet Union ( Kennan ) to the Secretary of State

3269. Soviet press September 14 devotes three-quarters column to appeal issued in Tabriz by newly organized Iranian Democratic Party “Azerbaidjan”. Preamble of appeal states that Democratic authority must take account of peculiarities of peoples and tribes populating Iran, their customs, languages, etc. In this event federation does not weaken centralism but on contrary strengthens it since the more rights citizens have, greater is their attachment to motherland. Appeal further states that not a trace of democracy remains in Iran and that under such a regime Iranian people can never take road of progress. In Iranian Azerbaidjan, emphasizes appeal, there are 4½ million Azerbaidjanians who are distinguished from inhabitants of other parts of Iran by their language and special traditions. In this case demand for autonomy in sphere of culture and organization of their homeland is not an act which violates centralization. As consequence of infamous policy of center, Azerbaidjan is deprived of its rights. Its sons do not feel free in their own home. They do not have right to be instructed in native tongue. Azerbaidjan intelligentsia cannot work for prosperity of homeland. Such a situation is insufferable and cannot continue. Tehran, appeal further declares, is persecuting culture of Azerbaidjan. However they are not severing ties with it: “We will submit to common and just laws, will participate in Majlis and in central administration. We favor teaching of Persian language in schools along with our native language as a state language but we reserve right to be masters in our own home and to manage it at our own discretion.”

[Here follow remaining details of the appeal.]

Sent Department 3269, repeated Baghdad [Tehran] 136, London 451, Ankara 53.

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Kennan
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