891.00/12–445: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 5—6:55 a.m.]
1062. Depstel 663, November 30. Bullard says he has made suggestion regarding general provincial elections to Shah, PriMin and Allahyar Saleh all of whom were favorably disposed and said question was already under active consideration. I understand Saleh has been charged with making study of matter. He favors putting into effect a law of 1907–8 which established regulations for implementation of constitutional provisions regarding Provincial Council. Although he says law is very poor, he thinks it better to make use of it in present juncture rather than attempt prepare and pass new legislation.
Since Iran Govt seems already well on the way to action in this regard I think it unnecessary for us to express any formal official opinion. However my own reaction is entirely favorable since I think move would help to destroy fiction that Azerbaijan is the only distinctively individual province in Iran and would reduce effect of “democrat” and Russian propaganda with regard to grievances and unique character of that province. In the larger picture also establishment of local governmental units should be beneficial through reducing cumbersome machinery of govt and turning into constructive channels national local pride and interest of inhabitants of each province.
British Embassy bulletin yesterday cited “many loyal Iranians” as saying establishment of provincial councils could help to eliminate administrative confusion and enlist local ability and enterprise in matters such as roads and hygiene. I gather from this that Sir Reader intends actively to pursue his proposal which he first made to British Foreign Office in June 1943.