891.00/10–646: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Allen) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
[Received 2:55 p.m.]
1325. Shah said last night he had just signed decree calling for immediate “preparations” for elections. He does not know exact date elections will be held but presumes they will take place in “about a month”. He hesitated to sign decree in view of disturbed state of country but decided he could not assume responsibility for further delay.
Shah is afraid Parliament to be elected will be divided between outright Soviet spokesmen and Deputies loyal to Qavam. He thinks latter group will also be susceptible to heavy Soviet pressure and that consequently new Parliament will “end Iranian independence” unless strong action is taken beforehand. He is toying with idea of asking Qavam to resign to enable formation of interim government to conduct elections. Announced basis for Shah’s action would be that Qavam, who is leader of political party, should not conduct elections [Page 523] in which his party is a contestant. Real basis for Shah’s concern is his fear that new Parliament, elected under control of Qavam and Muzzafar Firuz, would be hostile to him and to western democracies.
In response to Shah’s request for advice I said decision was one no foreigner had right to suggest and he must decide with his own counselors. He said counselor in whom he had greatest confidence and trust was Hussein Ala, who was unfortunately in Washington. He would welcome Ala’s views . . . .
I am unable to guess Shah’s probable action but suspect he may end by doing nothing, which may be best in circumstances. I have frequently cautioned him during conversations regarding Qavam that he should consider carefully the alternative. If he should force out present Cabinet and substitute for it reactionary regime regarded by Iranians as British stooges results would be shortlived. I am confident British themselves would not welcome such a regime. On other hand, there is real danger that new Parliament elected under present government may be Soviet-dominated. On balance I am inclined to let matters take their course. I would welcome Department’s observations on situation since US attitude as expressed to Shah, whether of positive or negative nature, may have important bearing on his actions.
Sent Department 1325; repeated London 163.