S91.00/12–1545: Telegram

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

1134. It appears opportune moment to summarize Iranian situation at end of one month of disturbances in northern provinces:

1.
“Democrat” forces appear firmly entrenched in Azerbaijan controlling roads, villages and cities, including Tabriz and Ardabil. They have held elections, organized a “Parliament” and appointed “Cabinet.”
2.
Iran Govt had been powerless to quell rebellion either by force, negotiation with rebels or by diplomatic approaches to Soviets. The four battalions sent from Tehran remain encamped outside of Qazvin with little prospects of forward movement. Security forces in troubled area have either been ordered by Soviets not to resist or have been so terrified by threat of Soviet retaliation that they have been rendered impotent.
3.
Principal stated demand of rebels is for local autonomy leaving only conduct of foreign relations and war to Central Govt. While [Page 497] probably few of “Democrats” are actual Communists there appears to be no doubt but that they are under Soviet control and follow Soviet propaganda line.
4.
While Democratic movement still has little popular support it is gathering momentum in face of Iran Govt’s inability to interfere and through sheer terrorism. Unless checked soon it may reach out and include most of population including tribes.
5.
There is no doubt that Soviets while being extremely careful not to participate in movement in military sense have planned and organized the rebellion. Iranian FonOff has just furnished Embassy with voluminous document citing very many instances of Soviet interference with Iranian security forces in troubled area.
6.
Ability of Central Govt to restore its authority with Soviet troops still in country is impossible and may be difficult even after withdrawal. It seems entirely reasonable to assume movement was carefully scheduled to take place well in advance of Mar 2 deadline for withdrawal of Soviet troops.
7.
Feeling is widespread that only hope for Iranians is American assistance. Impression is growing that British are not particularly interested and may be content to fall back on 1907 spheres of influence.14 Alternative is [to]15 forthright American aid in [is] appeasement and there are signs such as desire of Prime and Foreign Ministers to visit Moscow that the Iranians may eventually give in all along the line. They have failed completely in all negotiations with Soviets locally and have fallen back on device of writing repeated notes which are simultaneously released to press.
8.
Matter is complicated by fact that rebels have some just causes for complaint against Central Govt. Even opponents admit administration in Azerbaijan has been oppressive and concerned primarily with protecting interests of wealthy landlords. On top of this, provincial adminstrations particularly in Azerbaijan have been notoriously corrupt and inefficient.
9.
Unless movement is soon checked similar disturbances may be expected in other parts of area. It should be pointed out that local autonomy does in fact exist in some parts of Iran at moment particularly in region of south controlled by Qashqai tribe.
10.
If solution is not found we may expect early dismemberment of country with northern provinces eventually becoming integral parts of Soviet Union.

To Dept as 1134 repeated Moscow 340, London 134.

Murray
  1. The reference is to the Anglo-Russian Convention of August 31, 1907.
  2. Bracketed changes in this sentence based on copy of telegram in the Moscow Embassy files.