Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Near East and Africa, Volume VIII

891.00/12–1345: Telegram

The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State

Tehran, December 13, 1945.
[Received December 13—6:30 p.m.]

1118. In speech before Majlis yesterday, Prime Minister Hakimi made following points:

1. Iran Govt considers as null and void all activities of group in Azerbaijan which has been acting contrary to law and order.

2. Although conversations so far held regarding Azerbaijan crisis have not been fully successful, results have been sufficient to encourage him to pursue them further. Through Iranian Ambassador Moscow, he has sent word to Soviet Govt that he proposes soon to go to Moscow⁸ accompanied by Foreign Minister to engage in direct conversations with Russian authorities.

3. Because of disturbances in Azerbaijan his Cabinet has had no time to put into effect reforms it had in mind. However, he has always strongly wished to see all articles of constitution put into practice and is determined to implement those which have hitherto remained without effect. He wishes to enlist interest and responsibility of population in achieving social reforms and he is sure great part of such problems can be resolved in provinces and local units themselves by means of the provincial councils foreseen in constitution.

4. Therefore his Cabinet had decided from beginning to create provincial councils as soon as proper elections could be insured. Government will do everything possible to see that these elections are held legally in all parts of nation and without intervention of irresponsible elements.

Sent to Dept as 1118, repeated Moscow 333, London 128.

Murray

8. In telegram 13097, December 13, 1945, 7 p.m., the Ambassador in the United Kingdom reported that the British Foreign Office was “horrified” at the news that the Iranian Prime Minister would visit Moscow but hoped that the matter would work out for the best (891.00/12–1345).