Coll 28/97 ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries’ [‎241v] (482/749)

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to the Government. It is expected that the Bill will be passed and that ^
Dr. Millspaugh will accept the position where his functions will be limited to
those of Administrator-General of the Finances.
5. Following on an interpellation of the Government (which was, however,
withdrawn) on two matters—the alleged illegal suppression of certain newspapers
on the demand of the Soviet Embassy and the acquiescence of the Government in ^
the expulsion by Soviet officials of Persian subjects from the northern provinces—
the Government was given a vote of confidence by 72 votes against 5, with
15 abstentions.
Economic.
6. For the anti-locust campaign in Persia this year the British military
authorities are giving assistance by lending a transport unit of some fifty-six
vehicles with the necessary personnel. This unit will operate in the area Lingah-
Bandar Abbas—Jask and it will be used for transporting poison bait and working
parties and for maintaining communications.
A ppointments — Civil.
7. —(i) Hassan Farzaneh (F.O. 63) to be Governor-General of the 1st Ustan
(Gilan).
(ii) Abbas Tabatabai to be Farmandar of Khoi.
(iii) Dr. Buzurgmihr to be Under-Secretary in the Ministry of Health.
Persian Forces.
Army.
8. It is reliably reported that the Shah has lost faith in the Chief of the \
General Staff, General Razmara, and has realised that he is an ambitious and
self-seeking adventurer, all the more dangerous since he is both energetic and
able. General Razmara has also lost the favour of the Russians, largely owing
to the action taken to suppress Tudeh demonstrations by the Military Governor,
a nominee of General Razmara’s. His obvious desire to be restored to favour has
raised doubts of his patriotism. The Shah wishes General Yazdan Panah to
succeed him. and in present circumstances he is probably the least objectionable
choice the Shah is likely to accept. It may be difficult to persuade General Yazdan
Panah to accept.
9. General Ridley has returned to America. It is reported from confidential
sources that he is to discuss the future of the American advisers to the Persian
army and also to endeavour to arrange for the shipment of supplies for the
Persian army. He is expected to be away for at least a month.
10. A Bill has been laid before the Majlis to legalise the selection by ballot
of the number of conscripts required each year by the army, the quota for each
town or district being assessed according to its population. 1 In the preamble to
the Bill it is stated that the average class that becomes liable to conscription each
year amounts to 120,000, but that not more than 40,000 are required by the army.
Gendarmerie.
11. Following on the issue of new winter uniforms, of extra blankets and of
transport and the more regular payment of salaries, an improvement is now
noticeable in the morale and appearance of the gendarmerie of the Tehran
district. This has resulted in a notable improvement in recruiting.
Russian Affairs.
12. Persian papers that receive their inspiration from Russian sources have '
recently been publishing articles accusing Great Britain of a reactionary and
imperialist policy and arguing that Russia must protect herself against the
establishment in Persia of a Government under British influence. Two examples
i of these articles are attached to this Summary. If these articles were not, as is
generally believed, dictated by the Russians, they were certainly not published
without their approval.
13. Within the last few days the Russians have brought to Tehran sixty
Mk. V Yak fighters and ten Mk. I trainers, which are now in hangars at the
Russian-controlled airfield. This part of the airfield is now closed to British
personnel.