891.6363/8–2947: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Allen) to the Secretary of State
urgent
815. Prime Minister sent Nikpey today to read to me a note which Soviet Ambassador handed to Qavam yesterday under general instructions from Moscow. Summary of note follows:
[Page 945]Qavam’s refusal to sign new Soviet proposal for setting up the mixed company for petroleum development is regarded by Soviet Govt as indication of Iranian Govt’s intention to break agreement signed April 4, 1946. Qavam’s statement that he could not sign new proposal without Majlis authority is unsatisfactory. Agreement of April 4, which was signed by Qavam as head of govt and approved by Shah as Chief of State, bound Iranian Govt to obtain Majlis approval and to put its provisions into action. Qavam’s statement that situation has changed in Iran during past 18 months and that different Cabinet is now in office is not acceptable. Qavam’s action is regarded as sign of same enmity towards USSR carried out by Reza Shah1 and governments of Saed, Sadr2 and Hakimi.3 Govt of USSR insists that agreement of April 4 be put into action by Iranian Govt without delay. (End of summary.)
Following presentation of note, Sadchikoff added following orally: if Majlis approval is obtained for the agreement, you will be considered among the most sincere friends of USSR and will be helped financially, morally and in every other respect. If you refuse, you will be regarded as our most bitter enemy and treated as such.
I asked Nikpey whether Qavam regarded the oral statement as being addressed to him personally or to Iran as a nation. After slight thought he said “to Iran, I feel certain”.
Nikpey said Qavam seemed inclined not to answer the note but would appreciate my views. I said it seemed to me preferable not only to answer it, but also to quote the note, the oral representations, and the Iranian answer in Qavam’s presentation of the case to the Majlis.
[Here follows discussion of the role of Muzzafar Firouz, Iranian Ambassador in the Soviet Union.]
Sent Dept 815, repeated London 102. Dept pass to Moscow as 94.