761.91/2–846: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 9—10:11 a.m.]
177. Qavam told me yesterday he doubts that Soviets intend to evacuate Iran by March 2. He said, however, that he hoped to arrange withdrawal as result of his projected conversations in Moscow85 where he thinks he can create more friendly atmosphere.
He has evidently decided definitely to go himself to Moscow but has not settled exact time of departure or selected man to accompany him. He remarked this would have to wait until after formation of his Cabinet which he expects to complete within week.
I mentioned that certain quarters seemed to feel it unwise for him to make trip personally, to which he replied that he also had heard this said and believed that such remarks were intended to discredit him and weaken his position. He was emphatic in defending his decision to go.
In reply to my question Qavan said he still intended to send mission to Azerbaijan and that he planned to dispatch it at same time he himself leaves for Russia.
Prime Minister spoke with strong indignation of Reuters’ report of his asserted decision to make sweeping concessions to Azerbaijanians and Russians. (My telegram 172 February 8)86 When I saw him he had just held press conference at which he had flatly denied story. In discussing it with me, Qavam expressed conviction report originated with Seyid Zia ed-Din (his bitter enemy) and was designed first to discredit him with British and second by forcing him [Page 332] to deny any intention of making concessions to alienate Russians before conversations with them could begin. He was especially indignant with Reuters for publishing story without making any effort to check with him first.
To Dept as 177, repeated Moscow 43, London 31.
- In telegram, 154, February 4, 1 p.m., Ambassador Murray reported that Prime Minister Qavam had informed the Soviet Government of his plan to send a mission to Moscow and that the Soviet Government had replied that it would be delighted to receive the mission and hoped that the Prime Minister would head the mission (761.92/2–446).↩
- Not printed.↩