891.00/7–146: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Allen) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 2—6:14 a.m.]
919. Prime Minister Qavam has finally issued formal announcement expected for some time concerning formation new political party under his leadership, to be known as “Democratic Party of Iran”. Choice of name evidently resulted from desire to steal thunder of “Democrats of Azerbaijan” and also doubtless to unify country and possibly in hopes of taking Democrats of Azerbaijan under his wing. Prime Minister’s party will begin active operations within 2 weeks and expects to be organized throughout Iran in time for elections. Backbone of party will doubtless be Government officials in Tehran and provincial authorities appointed by Qavam.
Also announced yesterday was formation of “Liberal Front” based on agreement signed by leaders of Iran and Tudeh parties. Outstanding signer for Iran party is Allahyar Saleh, former member staff this Embassy and brother of Ali Pasha Saleh, Embassy’s Iranian adviser and chief interpreter. While details are lacking it seems likely that Iran and Tudeh parties will collaborate in forthcoming elections, nominating candidates in different constituencies and supporting each other’s candidates throughout country. It is possible this action may substantiate reports of split in Tudeh party between radical Iranian Nationalists and outright Moscow puppets. Latter have dominated party up to present.
Platforms of two leading groups in forthcoming elections, i.e. Democrats of Iran and Tudeh Iran Party coalition, seem practically identical. They both boil down to independence and reform. Qavam’s speech launching his new party was as full of vituperation against reactionaries and enemies of reform as anything Tudeh has said. Character of two parties will depend entirely upon individual leaders who adhere to each. In actuality Qavam’s group will probably be more conservative in spite of fiery Leftist pronouncements it will make.72
[Page 506]Elections will probably not be held until September and might be deferred even longer.
Repeated Moscow as 238.
- In telegram 981, July 14, 3 p.m., Ambassador Allen reported two divergent opinions regarding the Prime Minister’s new party that were prevalent in Tehran. The first opinion had it that the Prime Minister was outsmarting the Soviet-sponsored Tudeh by stealing their thunder and that he endorsed conservative nationalism, although he appeared superficially to be pro-Soviet. The opposing view was that creation of the new party represented the second phase of the Soviet Union’s political penetration of Iran, the first phase being the establishment of the hard-core Tudeh which operated as a terrorist tool. The second phase centered on a new party with a harmless face which would attract the support of many elements including conservatives. Eventually, according to the theory, the Tudeh would attach itself to the new party and obtain full control, as it had done successfully in Azerbaijan. (891.00/7–1446) In telegram 620. July 19, 7 p.m., the Department advised Tehran of information from the Iranian Ambassador that the Prime Minister viewed the new party as an indigenous group serving Iranian national interests and as not subservient to any foreign interests (891.00/7–1946).↩