891.00/11–2845: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 1—10:48 p.m.]
1011. Garver and Jernegan flew to Tabriz yesterday and returned today. They report as follows:
Elections for “National Assembly of Azerbaijan” were scheduled to begin today with total of 56 Deputies to be elected from the province. Anticipated completion of elections might require week or 10 days or more. Iranian officials Tabriz regard these elections as completely faked saying victorious candidates have already been designated. Inasmuch as they are being held without any proper delay for campaigning or presentation of issues, have no legal basis and are solely under the auspices of the “National Congress of Azerbaijan” I think there can be no doubt that this view is substantially correct.
Iranian officials Tabriz assert “Democratic Party” has no real popular support and would collapse overnight if Soviet encouragement were withdrawn. Our Consul and British Consul Tabriz agree movement would probably collapse if Russian support disappeared but also agree there is fairly substantial popular sympathy for movement and feel population Azerbaijan has real grievances against central govt. Ebling says however “Democrats” seem to have little idea of how to carry out reforms demanded even if they should be given opportunity and furthermore seem to lack confidence in success their efforts.
Iranian General Derakhshani proposes put down uprising by force if reinforcements sent him and if Soviets permit. He estimates he could accomplish task with column halted outside Qazvin plus one additional battalion tanks. He says he asked use this force first to restore order in area between Zenjan and Tabriz would then send it south from Tabriz to Maragheh and Miandoab and finally eastward from Tabriz to Sarab, Ardabil and Astara. He estimates total “Democrat” forces under arms at not more than 4,000 but says without reinforcements he can do nothing except defend Tabriz, Rezaieh and perhaps Ardabil. His communications to Ardabil are cut.
“Democrats” appear to be in control of Maragheh, Mianeh, Sarab and all areas between those towns and Tabriz. They probably control [Page 466] Zenjan also. Gendarme commander Tabriz today informed Jernegan 12 truckloads of Kurds were threatening Miandoab and gendarme commander that town had requested permission evacuate and retire eastward to more friendly territory. Also said attacks were threatened by “Democrat” forces on Ahar (north of Sarab) and Marand. Stated since November 16 no gendarmes permitted by Russians leave Tabriz.
Outward situation Tabriz remains calm with no disturbances.
Iranian military sources Tabriz state there have been no notable increases Soviet forces Azerbaijan.
To Dept as 1011 repeated Moscow 297 and London 99.