891.00/6–1746: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Allen) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
[Received 11:39 a.m.]
850. Analysis of June 13 agreement between Tehran and Tabriz governments does not deserve the high praise which Qavam, through his Director of Propaganda, Firouz, has bestowed on it. Their characterization of agreement as victory for Qavam is justified only to extent that Iran may now become united country without civil war. However, instead of Azerbaijan returning to Iran the province seems likely to take over country, especially since so-called Democratic Party of Azerbaijan will remain in full control there; Democrats in Azerbaijan and Tudeh Party in remainder of Iran are working hand in glove. These two groups are both typical Communist parties everywhere in sense that both are highly disciplined, totalitarian and pro-Soviet. Azerbaijan party is strongest of the two since it has its own army which Tabriz agreement leaves intact at least for time being and perhaps indefinitely.67
Value of agreement depends on manner in which it is carried out.68 Qavam undoubtedly thinks that by policy of conciliation and even friendship for Azerbaijan leaders he can gradually bring them under his control.
More and more observers are beginning to suspect that Qavam has gone so far over to the pro-Soviet camp he cannot retract. Some are convinced he does not wish to retract since he feels that during next few years which is only period of time man of his age is concerned with [Page 501] Soviet Union will be dominating force in this area and friendship with USSR is his best means of remaining in power. Qavam’s actions during next few weeks should show his true intentions more clearly.
- In telegram 197, June 19, from Tabriz, Mr. Rossow analyzed the agreement as follows: “The only gain by Central Govt in making agreement was purely formal acknowledgment of its authority. It is in no sense in control of province. In actual fact nothing has been changed. The same men (Democrats) are still in power here, control of Azerbaijan Army remains here, and there is no indication of any reduction in the number of Soviet personnel in Azerbaijan uniform and civilian clothes.” (891.00/6–1946)↩
- Telegram 856, June 18, noon, from Tehran, reported the initial implementation of the agreement with the selection of Salamollah Javid (or David), former Azerbaijani Minister of Interior, as Governor General of Azerbaijan. The Governor General was described as strongly pro-Soviet and an ardent party member. (891.00/6–1846)↩