761.91/8–548: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
924. Had long interview with Prime Minister. He told me that day before yesterday Sadchikov, the Soviet Ambassador, saw him for three hours and half.
[Page 169]Sadchikov reviewed Soviet Persian relations since 1921, emphasized extreme generosity of Soviet policy toward Iran, enumerated concessions which Soviet Union had made, declared that Soviet Union had made Iran the master of its own house. Sadchikov deplored the present hostility of Iran towards the Soviet Union. Hostile installations were being prepared along the frontier, and Iran had fallen into the camp of the enemies of the Soviet Union. He spoke specifically of the US. Between the Soviet Union and the US relations were bad. There was possibility of war. Yet Iran, the neighbor of the Soviet Union, was permitting the army and gendarmerie to be taken over by the American Army. And through credits and otherwise Iran had fallen under the economic sway of the US (mytels 438 April 24,1 770 July 4, 881 July 27,2 917 August 43). Prime Minister apparently made calm but vigorous denial of all of Sadchikov’s charges, at the same time reviewing long list of Iranian complaints against Soviet Union, particularly those having to do with Azerbaijan, Pishevari, etc. Sadchikov continued that “insult” of the question of oil in the north had to be “effaced.” He went on to say that for Iran to be independent and master of its own house, Iran must get rid of hostile foreign influences. He referred again to the American military missions and the arms credit program. Then Sadchikov produced glittering gem: not merely was the position of the, Soviet Union in Iran impossible but the situation of Soviet nationals in Iran had become intolerable. Soviet citizens were not even permitted to study Persian. Indeed Soviet citizens were the victims of “terrorism.” Moreover, any Persian official who deigned to show an attitude of friendly collaboration towards the Soviet Union was promptly eliminated.
Prime Minister told Sadchikov that if he had any demands to make, would he kindly formulate them in precise manner. Sadchikov replied that he could not do this since the Soviet Union, by making its desires precise, would be interfering in domestic affairs of Iran. Prime Minister replied that the attitude of the Soviet Union towards Iran, whether precise or not, ended up invariably in intervention in internal affairs. Prime Minister emphasized desire of Iran to live at peace with everyone. He vigorously denied Sadchikov’s assertion that “certain foreign powers” had made promises to Iran with regard to compensation from the “next war in which these foreign powers would be the victors.” Prime Minister insisted that Iran had no secret commitments with anyone. Sadchikov then suddenly turned to question of airport at Tabriz which the Americans were building for attack against Russia. Prime Minister replied that there was only primitive [Page 170] good weather landing field at Tabriz. Sadchikov kept insisting on American use of Iran as place d’armes for attacking his country.
Prime Minister reproached Sadchikov for not maintaining contact with Iranians. The Soviet Ambassador and his staff live “locked up” in their Embassy. Prime Minister then appealed to Sadchikov fully to inform his government of everything that he had told him during their conversation. Sadchikov assured Prime Minister that he would do so, adding that he intended on his arrival in the Soviet Union to proceed to sanitarium for one month for treatment. He would then discuss with his government situation as developed in their conversation. He added that it was essential that Iran make some definite gesture to indicate its removal from the Anglo-American camp into position of true friendliness to the Soviet Union.
The conversation between the Prime Minister and Sadchikov terminated in economic trivia.
That Sadchikov should make allegations re nonexistent American activities at Tabriz airport is height of insincerity since Soviets are Officially very well represented at Tabriz and know everything that is going on.
Prime Minister seemed relieved that Sadchikov did not confront him with something in the nature of an ultimatum.
Sent Department. Department pass Moscow as 59.