891.00/4–2646: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 26—1:10 p.m.]
578. Following is complete text of communiqué issued by Iran Government yesterday:98
“Since formation of present government, Council of Ministers has given much of its attention to the ‘Azerbaijan events’. After making studies and considering the intentions of our dear and esteemed co-citizens, the Council of Ministers has decided that, as far as the limits of our constitutional laws permit, the ideals of the said province should be realized and has decided to welcome our dear compatriots to brotherhood and unity. Therefore the decision of the Council of Ministers as regards this matter is hereby communicated for the information of the public.
“The powers which under the law of Rabi Ol Sani of lunar year 1325 (law of 1907 authorizing election of Provincial Councils) Articles 29, 90, 91, 92, and 93 of the supplement approved for the Provincial Councils are hereby specified and confirmed in Azerbaijan as follows:
- “(1) The directors of the services of agriculture, commerce and industry, local transportation, education, health, policy, courts and offices of public prosecutors, and finance supervisors will be elected by the Provincial Councils and, in accordance with state regulations, their official commissions will be issued by the central government in Tehran.
- “(2) The governor of the province will be appointed by the central government after having ascertained the views of the Provincial Council. Army and gendarmerie commanders will be appointed by the central government.
- “(3) The official language of the province is Persian as in all other parts of the country. All official administrative and judicial acts will be in Persian and in Azerbaijani (Turki). The first five grades of the elementary schools will be taught in Azerbaijani.
- “(4) When allocating tax revenues and budget credits for the country, the government will take into consideration the requirements of Azerbaijan for prosperity, for reconstruction, for educational and hygienic reforms and other works.
- “(5) The activities of democratic organizations and labor unions in Azerbaijan are free as in other parts of the country.
- “(6) No action will be taken against members of ‘Democrat’ party for participation in ‘Democrat’ movement in the past.
- “(7) It has been agreed that the number of deputies from Azerbaijan in the national Majlis will be increased in proportion to the actual population of the province. At the inauguration of the fifteenth Majlis, a proposal to this effect will be introduced and, after approval, the appropriate additional number of Deputies will be elected.”
- In telegram 582. April 24, 10 a.m., from Tehran it was stated that the communiqué “appears designed to show good faith of Govt and considerable length it is willing to go in allowing measure of local autonomy. Announcement comes at time when Tabriz radio and press are rattling saber vigorously and denouncing Qavam govt as no better than its predecessors, and conciliatory policy proclaimed in communiqué should help strengthen Govt case before world opinion.” (891.00/4–2446)↩