Coll 28/97 ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries’ [‎229v] (458/749)

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publish criticisms of Russian policy, usually offering, however, to make
allowances for the apparent fact that the Soviet Embassy had been misled as to
public opinion by its false Persian friends. One paper published what it claimed
was the gist of a letter written by President Roosevelt affirming America’s concern
for the integrity of Persia and promising that America’s treatment of Persia
would be a model for all big Powers in their dealings with small nations. The
editor of the paper claims that such a letter was written, but some time ago. to
General Hurley, in acknowledgment of his report to the President on his visit
to Persia, and that it was shown to the Persian Embassy in Washington with the
President’s permission.
4. The Shah has been considering the despatch of a special mission to
Moscow to endeavour to appease the Soviet Government. It is reported that the
.members of it would be Ibrahim Zand (F.O. 233), Hamid Sayyah (F.O. 202;
M.A. 258), General Yazdan Panah and Muhammad Ali Homayunjah (F.O. 87;
M.A. 114), Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, all persons'believed to
be pleasing to the Russians.
5. It seems likely that there will be some delay before a new Government
is formed. There are at least fifteen willing candidates for the premiership.
Dr. Musaddiq appears to have the largest support in the Majlis, but no way has
yet been found to satisfy his condition that he should be allowed to retain a lien
on his seat in the Majlis. I'ailing him, the choice of the Deputies at present
seems to lie between two elderly gentlemen, Hassan Isfandiari (Muhtashim-es-
Sultaneh) (F.O. 99; M.A. 125) and Hussein Sami’i (Adib-es-SuUaneh (F 0 199-
M.A. 254).
Economic.
6. According to an official statement, the value of notes now in circulation
amounts to 6 332.899,160 rials. In addition, the National Bank holds notes to
the value of 947,851,440 rials.
7. After a long drought rain has fallen over the greater part of Persia
north-west of Isfahan.
8. The Cabinet has approved the promotion of the Baksh of Jahrum in
south-east Pars to a Shahristan. It will include the villages of Samigan Hazar
Gardian and Kuhak.
A pj) ointments — Civil.
9. —(i) Sa’ed Sami’i to be Under-Secretary of State for the Interior.
00 Ahmad Ibrahimi Zanganeh to be Under-Secretary of State for Commerce
and Industry.
Appointments — Military.
10. —(i) Sartip Ahmad Khosrovani (F.O. 118; M.A. 153) to command the
Persian air force (He was recently bundled unceremoniously out of Tabriz by
ne Russians, as he wished to take action against Tudeh demonstrators )
(n) barhang Neisar to command the 8th (Rezaieh) Brigade.
Internal Security.
Ears.
11. It had, it seems, been decided by the Government that they could not go
so far as to give to Nasir Qashgai an official decree appointing him Rais-i-
Intizamat—that is, the authority responsible for the good behaviour of the
Qashgai tribes—but they have agreed that he may be asked to accept that
responsibility by the Governor-General of Fars. Whether Nasir will accept this
ambiguous position is doubtful. See also Summary No. 41/44. paragraph 13.
Kurdistan.
12. A British officer who recently visited Baneh confirms that the village
has been almost entirely destroyed, that the inhabitants who had dispersed a?e
letuimng, and that the Persian military authorities are doing their best with
the small resources at their disposal, to relieve distress.- From Persian sources
it is reported that all the Baneh Begzadehs except Hama Rashid and his near
relations have returned and made submission; also, that the Iraqi authorities
are showing a better disposition to co-operate, which may lead to the arrest of
Hama Rashid. I he Persian authorities are anxious to get him out of the way
before the winter sets in. Baneh becomes isolated for five to six months from the