891.00/12–2245: Telegram

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

1172. For the Secretary. Urtel 183, Dec 20.34 I brought your views to the attention of Prime Minister this morning. He stated he was in complete agreement concerning concessions suggested and that he had previously given orders to put them into effect. When Governor General Bayat went to Tabriz last month he made offer of introducing Turkish language into primary schools on orders from Hakimi. As regards provincial councils, he and all Iranian officials are in agreement that they should be formed at earliest possible date and steps have already been taken to this end (Embtel 1165, Dec 20).

Hakimi states, however, that under no circumstances can he or his Govt ever accept “parliament” and “government” that have been formed in Azerbaijan, which have no shred of legality and which were organized largely by aliens who had illicitly entered country from the Caucasus. He reaffirmed his Govt’s intention to put down Azerbaijan rebellion by force if necessary once Soviet troops have withdrawn. Hakimi informed me that he had intended, when assuming office, to put into effect many badly needed reforms but rebels had not given him opportunity. He pointed out that throughout his life he has been known as a Democrat and Liberal and, being an Azerbaijani himself, population there would know he could be relied on to give them liberal and honest administration. I have repeatedly urged both Shah and Prime Minister to settle Azerbaijan problem without bloodshed and have recommended as possible solution appointment of commission of prominent Azerbaijanis to negotiate with rebels.

When discussing reforms, I believe it is well to remember that Iranians have only been free from brutal dictatorship for 4 years and that foreign troops have been in occupation ever since abdication of Reza Shah. British are not without responsibility for lack of reforms in Iran in view of their constant interference in internal politics and [Page 510] their support of reactionary and corrupt politicians. While it is by no means certain that Iranians would put house in order if left to themselves, it seems only fair that they should have the chance. I feel Hakimi is entirely sincere and is anxious to put all possible reforms into effect and also to make every concession to dissident elements consistent with Iranian sovereignty.

To Moscow 365, repeated Dept 1172, London 146.

Murray
  1. Same as telegram 4229, from Moscow, p. 504.