891.00/12–745: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iram ( Murray ) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 8—12:45 p.m.]
1089. I wish to remind Dept that lack of sensational new developments in Azerbaijan during past several days does not mean situation is improving. Looking at broad picture it [may mean?] “Democratic Party” has achieved first objectives including effective isolation most of province from rest of Iran and is in process of consolidating its position. “Elections” for local legislature may by now have been completed and we may anticipate that it will meet quickly and proceed to establish some form of local “govt” which will claim to be representative of people. This would give Russians strong propaganda basis for their stand and make it much more difficult for Iran Govt to deal with situation even if Soviets later allow it freedom of action.
[Page 484]Therefore time is working on side of “Democrats” and we should govern ourselves accordingly. I realize Dept wants additional factual information and am doing everything possible to obtain it quickly. Foreign Minister assured me December 5 he had given orders to provide answers to questions contained Dept’s telegram 669, December 3. Press Attaché Young left this morning by Intourist plane for Tabriz and will spend three or four days there in effort to get full information on spot.
There are recurrent rumors of Cabinet change with Qavam es Saltaneh usually mentioned for PriMin. Although he is undoubtedly much stronger man than Haikimi, change at this moment might be unfortunate for settlement our own numerous pending questions since new ministers would need time to familiarize themselves with matters and might reverse lines of action being followed in different cases by present Cabinet. I urge Dept take quickest possible action on all questions Embassy has offered to it such as Abadan airport2 and surplus property windup3 in order that we may settle them here before Cabinet falls.
- For information on this subject, see Foreign Relations, 1944, vol. v, p. 496.↩
- For documentation on this subject, see pp. 566 ff.↩