891.00/12–2045: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 2:50 p.m.]
4229. From the Secretary [to the Ambassador in Iran]. Please tell Prime Minister informally and confidentially that you feel it [Page 505] would be advisable for Iranian Govt to make at an early date such concessions as it considers feasible to the demands originally formulated by the Azerbaijanians. Specifically I have in mind their request for the right to use Turkish in the schools along with Persian and the creation of provincial councils as provided in Iranian Constitution.
You may say you understand Iranian Govt has already indicated willingness to take these steps and that you believe any other steps which do not impair sovereignty of Iranian Govt but which would remove grounds of complaint should also be taken as soon as possible. Such measures could of course be applied throughout Iran to avoid setting Azerbaijan apart as distinct unit.
Explain to Prime Minister that you are not suggesting that he in any way recognize or acquiesce in formation of “autonomous govt” in Azerbaijan. Point out that thought behind suggestion is that Iranian case before UNO and world public opinion will be much stronger if Iran leaves no grounds for charge that people of any part of country are being deprived of constitutional rights or otherwise unjustly treated by Central Govt.
Sent Tehran as 183, rptd Dept as 4229. [Byrnes.]