891.00/11–2845: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran ( Murray ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 30—6:40 a.m.]
1009. Schwarzkopf reports Zenjan has definitely been taken by insurgents who have now passed Takestan en route to Kazvin. At Zenjan police gendarmerie and 30 soldiers were ready to defend city but were ordered by Russians not to resist and to lay down their arms which they did. Iranian War Council expects 2,000 armed insurgents to move on Tehran following fall of Kazvin and they estimate that 10,000 sympathizers within city will rise to assist marchers when moment comes. These consist of Soviet immigrants who have filtered into country, Tudeh Party members and ordinary hoodlums. There are reports from Jabon near Firuzkuh that crowds have gathered from that area and from Mazanderan and are ready to march from that direction.
General Arfa, Army Chief of Staff, has been placed in complete charge of all Iranian Armed Forces including police and gendarmerie and plans have been formed for defense of city contemplating only delaying actions in provinces with bulk of security forces concentrated on the capital. Orders have gone out that Tehran-Qum Road must be kept open at all costs so that reinforcements may be brought up from south and capital may be evacuated to Isfahan if necessary. This is especially important as in last war Russians took back road from Karaj to Qum Road and approached Tehran from south rather than west as expected. Delaying forces have therefore been despatched to Hassanabad and Ali-Abad about 20 kilometers south of Tehran.
There is no question but that Russians are interfering with all defense measures taken by Iranians in north and it seems reasonable supposition that they are actually directing planned military campaign. Movement has gone far beyond any ordinary mob action since it has lasted this long and since every move shows sound knowledge of military tactics and leadership. While Schwarzkopf believes it is possible deserting officers of Meshed garrison may be directing campaign he feels Soviets are more likely leaders. Campaign at moment shows two main lines of march, one from Astara (which has been taken) to Pahlavi and the other from Zenjan to Kazvin to Tehran. No reports to date of activity from Maragheh to Sanandaj in west martial law area has been extended from 6 miles around city of Tehran to 40.
Iranian Army has plans laid to blow up railroad at proper moment should rebels arrive by train. Situation is unquestionably serious and [Page 465] confusion and panic in high Iranian military circles do not give any reason for confidence. At moment city is calm but it appears likely very few Iranians realize seriousness of crisis.
Sent Dept as 1009; rptd Moscow 296; London 98.