891.00/12–1045
The Iranian Ambassador (Ala) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have just received a cable from my Government conveying the following urgent message:
“At this time when the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the three allied governments are about to meet in Moscow,5 it is imperative that we exert every effort to the end that the important and difficult question [Page 488] relating to Iran be put on the agenda of their deliberations. The steps that we consider extremely pressing are: (1) the immediate evacuation of Iran by foreign troops and (2) pending such rapid withdrawal, absolute and complete freedom of action of the Persian Government in its own territory. This will enable us to restore order and restrain the mischief-makers, undesirable immigrants and unknown individuals who, having come into Azerbaijan from over the border, are murdering officials of the Government and pillaging Government buildings and offices. If our efforts continue to be paralyzed and obstacles are still placed in our way, the security forces of Iran in Azerbaijan and the northern provinces will gradually be overpowered for lack of reinforcements and obliged to surrender to the mob and the seditious elements.”
It is my duty to beg Your Excellency, at this very grave hour in the destinies of my country, to take up the cause of Iran at Moscow urging that our freedom of action within our own territory for the repression of sedition and the maintenance of law and order be no longer hampered or interfered with. Whilst the right of free passage of our reinforcements is denied to us by the Government of the Soviet Union and our forces are halted at Kazvin, the irresponsible, turbulent elements in Azerbaijan are being encouraged in every way to establish themselves securely and to supplant the lawful representatives of the central government in Tabriz.
I would also appeal to Your Excellency to continue to press for the immediate withdrawal of the Soviet and British forces still stationed in Iran without any justification.
My Government relies upon the friendship of the United States at this critical juncture when Iran is menaced with dismemberment, and asks Your Excellency to use your influence and good offices to the end that the Atlantic Charter, the Tripartite Treaty of Alliance of 1942 and the Declaration of Teheran of December 1st, 1943 be respected.
Please accept [etc.]
- The Moscow Conference of the Foreign Ministers of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union was held from December 16 to 26, 1945; for documentation on discussions at this meeting, see vol. ii, pp. 560 ff.↩