891.00/12–1345: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:45 p.m.]
1115. Having had report that Iranian Minister War was planning withdraw troops from Sharifabad and announce that it was no longer considered necessary send reinforcements Azerbaijan we asked MinFonAff today about present Iran Govt policy toward Azerbaijan crisis.
He said report of troop withdrawal was incorrect, that Minister War and General Arfa had asked him if it would be permissible bring column back to Tehran but he had taken position this politically impossible. He went on to say Iran Govt is determined to stand firm on position it has already adopted so long as it can count on American and British support. We emphasized it was necessary be sure of Iran Govt policy since question would probably be discussed at Moscow and Najm reiterated his statement that Govt attitude had not changed.
MinFonAff said recent conversations with Russians have been without result as Russians give only vague answers and make complaints against Iranian press and govt for spreading “propaganda” against USSR.
Colonel Baker has learned Iranians were told by Soviet Embassy to refer to Soviet Military Attaché their request for Iranian column to proceed through Qazvin to Hamadan (mytel 1096, Dec. 8). Iran Govt however decided to drop matter and column remains at Sharifabad east of Qazvin.
To Dept as 1115 repeated Moscow 332 London 127.