891.00/12–2945: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Tabriz (Rossow) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 31—7:38 p.m.]
14. At interview this morning Peshavari, PriMin of Azerbaijan Province, reiterated his desires to keep Azerbaijan within Iranian nation. However he stated he has no confidence in Central Govt and felt he must maintain and develop his militia fearing invasion by Iranian Army and subsequent nullification of all the reforms of his new Govt. He said he had proved his desire to remain within Iran by refraining from appointing a Foreign Minister. But he would have to have a substantiating guarantee of Azerbaijan’s right to self-govt and one which the Central Govt could not subsequently disregard as he said it had so often in the past. A guarantee from the Shah with a view to later general reforms would not suffice he said since Shah is young and inexperienced and might change his mind overnight. Similarly a guarantee by the present Majlis would not be satisfactory since all but a few deputies are land owners, religious men—little Shahs—and not dependable either (emphasis, however, appeared to imply receptivity to newly elected Majlis). He said he would welcome and participate in any general constitutional convention intended to guarantee regional rights throughout Iran. Asked what form of guarantee he would require he replied emphatically he was keeping the way open for negotiation. He repeated this several times.
He said Tehran had sent one emissary (presumably General Moqadam)56 but entirely without powers. He eventually told him to [Page 521] go. He said it was up to Central Govt to send to him someone with real authority. But he said instead of trying to reach agreement Tehran was ignoring Azerbaijan’s demands; they were spreading lies about conditions here and saying the Democratic movement was not supported by the people which he said I could see for myself was false. However he repeated he would welcome a sincere negotiator with adequate powers to make a substantial agreement. Further he promised earnestly he would not act hastily and declared he would consult me before taking any decisive action. Generally speaking he was more pliable than expected and seemed very anxious to impress me with his sincerity and lofty intentions.
Unless Soviet position can be altered, Iran Govt must accept situation in Azerbaijan as fait accompli. It is faced with alternative of bending fast and at least attempting some sort of serious negotiation and general reform, or being dismembered. It is patently Soviet desire to be called upon to “protect” Azerbaijan and other provinces from “despotic aggressive Tehran”, at the same time continuing and extending its military occupation. Thus it would appear essential that US in endeavoring to maintain established national pattern, attempt by only means now open to maintain Iran intact so that Soviet must either abide by evacuation agreement or declare aggressive intentions to entire world. To do this it is recommended that Embassy make very clear to Central Govt the alternatives it faces and persuade it at least to attempt serious negotiation with Azerbaijan. Such action would materially weaken Azerbaijan position regarding necessity for outright independence; otherwise it will certainly declare itself independent and seek a “protector”.
Please keep me thoroughly informed as to any action taken by Embassy in this regard and as to intentions of Central Govt.
Sent Dept as 14; to Tehran as 33.
- Maj. Gen. Hassan Moqadam, Governor-General of Azerbaijan.↩