Coll 28/85 ‘Persia. Relations with H.M.G. Anglo-Persian Oil Company.’ [‎32r] (65/380)

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FROM TEHRAN TO FOREIGN OFFICE.
Sir R. Bullard,
No. 202
Undated [May 7th]
Repeated to M.I.C.E*
Moscow.
Bagdad.
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1.55 p.m. May 7th 1941 °i<a^
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10.55 p.m. May 7th 1941 o^eooO^os’
Government of India No. 136. 4eA
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It is to he supposed that Germans will try to
deprive us of Abadan oil. if they cannot do this by securing
military command of right bank of Shatt el Arab they may
try to set up a pro-German Government in Iran, (Persia) which
would cancel our concession and interrupt our oil supplies
at least for.a time. General discontent in Iran provides good
field for intrigue. The Shah is object of almost universal
execration and we also as his supposed supporters. He could
not count upon full support by the army. Movement for the
removal of the Shah and even of his dynasty would be popular.
If Germans began or supported such a movement it would run
counter to any support they may be giving in secret to the King
of Egypt but that would hardly deter them. More important is
Russia 1 s attitude. I cannot forecast that but I notice that
Soviet Ambassador hitherto professing indifference shov/s interest
in number of Germans in Iran. Population in general expect
Russian occupation premeditated as counter weight if Germans
penetrate into Arab countries but this is based on ancient
fears not on present evidence.
If the Shah was forced to leave his capital and
failed to find Iranian support elsewhere it is conceivable he would
retreat to the oil area especially if we had been forced by
circumstances to embark upon its defence; or he might seek
our protection elsewhere. In that case we should I think avoid
any action which might be represented as supporting his cause
and contemplating his return. As the 3hah keeps order and
maintains neutrality his continuance in power during the war
probably suits us better than any practicable alternative
but if he were once driven out, even if obviously by German
action, we ought to act with the greatest caution and above all
to avoid any suggestion that we class him with popular rulers of
Norway, Netherlands, etc.
REG®. POL.CE Pt.
0 i AY 941
INDIA OFFICE The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors.