740.00119 Council/12–1345: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 15—10:33 p.m.]
1120. Following is text of note received from the Foreign Office under date of December 13:
“Whereas the presence of foreign troops in Persia has been the cause of confusion in all the affairs of the country and has prevented the Government from taking effective measures to repair the losses suffered [Page 493] by Persia as a result of the world war and has also deprived the Government of freedom of action in carrying out its programme and plan drawn up with the object of securing the tranquillity of the nation; and whereas the discussion of this problem at the Foreign Ministers Conference which is shortly to be convened in Moscow is essential and right; and whereas all discussions and decisions in respect of any matter connected directly with the interests of Persia must, in accordance with article VI of the Tripartite Pact dated the 29th January, 1942, be adopted in consultation with and with the consent of the Persian Government, it is therefore the opinion of the Imperial Government that, with due regard to the purport of the joint declaration of the three Governments about Persia dated December 1, 1943, it is imperative that in this Conference the question should be discussed and a decision taken that the forces of the three Allied and friendly Governments should immediately evacuate the whole country since the presence of foreign troops in Persia has shaken the sovereignty of Persia, has led to regrettable incidents and innumerable hardships, has created anxiety for the Persian public and has completely upset order in the country and deprived the public of security. The regrettable incidents of Azerbaijan provide the most outstanding example of the sinister effect of the presence of foreign troops in this country. In addition there is no military or civil justification for the troops of the three Allied and friendly Governments to remain even one more day in Persia.
Pending the concession by the Foreign Ministers Conference in Moscow of this rightful demand on the part of the Persian Government and the immediate and complete evacuation of the whole of Persia by foreign troops, it is obvious that in order that no further delay should occur in the emergency measures taken by the Persian Government or the establishment of order and tranquillity throughout the country, and in order that disturbances should not be more widespread, foreign military authorities who are still in Persia should not obstruct the freedom of action or the movement of Persian service forces. Confidential communications have been sent to British and Soviet Embassies.[”]
We are told frequent notes will be sent containing specific request for Iranian participation in Moscow meeting when Iran is discussed. Sent Department as 1120 repeated to London 129, Moscow 334.