891.00/5–1446: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Allen) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 14—9:53 a.m.]
686. Following announcement issued here last night by Prime Minister Qavam:
“On this occasion when the public is watching the course of the negotiations between the Government and the representatives of Azerbaijan, I deem it necessary to bring the result of the conversations of the past 15 days to the attention of the public to the end that the facts may be made clear.
The representatives of the inhabitants of Azerbaijan who came to Tehran are aware that I exerted every effort to settle the questions at issue in a spirit of goodwill and conciliation. After the publication of my communiqué of April 21, 1946, containing the seven points of the Government communication, many circles raised objections and considered that in my attitude I had exceeded the limits of the existing laws.
Although I have had confidence in the goodwill of the representatives of the Azerbaijan representatives, as a result of the negotiations of the past 15 days I am sorry that some of their demands surpassed my legal powers and the Government’s seven points. Perforce the negotiations were suspended until such time as a way for the solution of the problem can be found, and the representatives of Azerbaijan left for Tabriz.
The questions in which the Government’s legal powers and the seven points were at variance with the demands of the representatives of the Azerbaijan inhabitants were as follows:
- 1.
- According to article 2 of the Government’s communiqué the right of appointment of the Governor General of Azerbaijan rested with the Government in consultation with the Provincial Council but the representatives of the Azerbaijan inhabitants insisted that the appointment of the Governor General should be made by the Government on the proposal of the Provincial Council.
- 2.
- According to article 2 of the communiqué of April 21, 1946, the Government was to appoint the military and gendarmerie commanders but the representatives of Azerbaijan believed that the appointment of such commanders should be made on the proposal of the Provincial Council subject to the approval of the Government.
- 3.
- The division of public domains and ceded lands among the peasants which has taken place in Azerbaijan, as a result of the recent developments, should be confirmed by the Majlis and is beyond the legal powers of the Government.
The above and several other points were discussed but since the final decision should be reached by the Majlis, the representatives of the Azerbaijan inhabitants returned to Tabriz to report (to their colleagues) and receive instructions in the matter.
Since I am willing to settle the questions at issue with perfect goodwill and conciliation it is obvious that I am prepared to continue the negotiations with a view to the adoption of a plan which shall not be at variance with the laws of the land. Since according to law and the accord reached with the Soviet Government concerning the northern oil, the Fifteenth Majlis should meet within 7 months from the date of signature of the accord, general elections should take place as soon as possible. I expect that the Azerbaijan representatives will provide the necessary facilities to the end that the Government may announce the general elections in conformity with law and the inhabitants may freely elect their deputies and send them to the capital.
I hope that with the goodwill and patriotism which I have found in the representatives of the Azerbaijan inhabitants, the necessary means can be found to allay public anxiety and the present difficulties will be eliminated with due consideration of the Government’s legal duties.”
Sent Dept 686, repeated Tabriz 92, Moscow 193, London 120 and Paris.