Coll 28/97 ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries’ [‎62r] (123/749)

*
THIS K®f«tetliiJS THE PSOPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
m it rn
’ " IU»V^VJ
lit Undo fSeoue-teuy d ffafe
PY %fi*g
PERSIA. &6IN1/
SECRET.
{& 244/110/34]
2 6 JAM
Jtc
January 12, 1943.
Section 1.
X
i4^
Copy No. [ J 4
Sir R. Bullard to Mr. Eden.—(Received January 12, 1943.) C&jlicJ b>> fy'Q
(No. 439.)
HIS Majesty’s representative presents his compliments to His Majesty's
Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and has the honour to transmit
herewith a copy of Intelligence Summary No. 51 for the period the 16th to the
22nd December, 1942, compiled by the military attache to this legation.
flat.
n.FM/
4>
c?
Td&an, December 22, 1942.
—
Enclosure.
/fy. F.C- idtu Enej/nofy
Military Attache's Intelligence Summary No. 51 for the Period
December 16 to 22, 1942.
(Secret.) ~-
Persian Affairs.
Political. - \
THANKS largely to firm action by the Military Governor, Tehran has
calmed down and public confidence is to a large extent restored. No papers have
been allowed to appear, except the Government news-sheet* and the Majlis
remained closed until Sunday, the 20th December. In certain political circles the
Prime Minister’s position has been strengthened as a result of the courage and
firmness he is reputed to have shown in the face of the hostile demonstration.
The knowledge that he is supported by the Allies and may therefore remain in
power for some time has probably induced some of his former opponents to seek
his favour as it has for the time being instilled the need for caution into his
inveterate enemies. In a broadcast, of which details are given below, he committed
himself to loyal co-operation with the Allies more definitely than any Prime
Minister has hitherto dared to do. This will undoubtedly concentrate against
him the hostility of the many anti-Ally elements, but if he can keep the population
fed he has a reasonable hope of increasing the number of his supporters. His
position is weak in that at present not only can he not count on the support of
the army, but must reckon with active, if underground, opposition from some of
its leaders.
2. The Prime Minister, in a broadcast to the nation, claimed that his
Government had faithfully endeavoured to follow the programme he had laid
down when he took office—the restoration and maintenance of order, the provision
of food supplies and the preservation of Persia’s interests in the faithful
execution of existing treaties and loyal co-operation with the Allies. The iden
tification of Persia’s interests with the Allies was a step in the right direction
and had already had good results. There was on the part of the Government no
lack of patriotism and devotion to duty, and on the part of the Allies no lack of
respect for the freedom and integrity of Persia. Moreover, the Allies were doing
everything possible to supply the country s needs in food and transport; the
British army had given great assistance by providing wheat from their reserves
for Tehran’s bread supply. He said that 156 persons had been arrested in con
nexion with the recent riots, those responsible would be punished and if more
blood were to flow no harm would be done. Compensation would be paid to those
who had suffered damage. In the action that was taken by the Government, he
said, they had the benevolent sympathy of the Shah.
3. There is reason to believe that the Shah is by no means reconciled to the
continuance in power of Qavam-es-Sultaneh, and that he is still far from having
confidence in the Prime Minister. He insisted, against the latter’s judgment, that
the Majlis should reopen on Sunday, the 20th December. The meeting was
uneventful; the Deputies appeared to be in chastened mood, and the Prime
Minister’s address, which was moderate and non-provocative, was listened to with
[37—36]