Coll 28/97(1) ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries.’ [‎165v] (330/807)

General.
1. The procession of the Crown Prince and Princess from the station to
the Gulistan Palace was remarkable for two things : firstly, that open cars were
used and, secondly, that the streets were not lined with troops, only one policeman
being posted every twenty yards on both sides of the route. The cavalry escort
rode at the trot about 100 yards in front of the leading car (that ot the bhah).
Thus there was no guard whatsoever for the Royal party, who were defenceless
against a sudden attack.
On the final evening of the celebrations the streets were lined by the whole
of the Tehran Garrison. Owing to an unfortunate misunderstanding the order
to close was given before the Shah’s car had actually passed, the result was that
the crowd swarmed into the streets and the Royal car had considerable difficulty
in getting through. The Shah himself, however, stood up in his car and gave
orders in no uncertain voice. The situation was restored immediately.
2. It is reliably reported that Her Royal Highness Queen Nazli and the
Egyptians are very dissatisfied with the arrangements made for their comfort
and with Iran and the Iranians. Unfortunately, they have been too outspoken
on this subject. It is rumoured that Queen Nazli and the young Princesses will
shortly return to Egypt instead of remaining in Iran the whole summer as
originally planned.
3. Her Royal Highness Princess Alice Countess of Athlone and the Earl
of Athlone, K.G., and His Royal Highness the Due de Spoleto impressed all by
their friendly, sympathetic and gracious attitude. General Weygand, too, was
an outstanding figure, looking every inch a soldier in spite of his /2 years of age.
The large German and Italian delegations were conspicuous by their variety
of uniforms. It was noted that they fraternised considerably. Hitherto neither
the German nor Italian missions in Tehran have ever displayed a great liking
for one another.
4. The Iranian officers of the Officers’ Training College are loud in their
praises of the discipline and friendliness of the Royal Naval and Royal Air Force
detachments. The visit of the British detachment has undoubtedly created an
excellent impression.
5. His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince wore the same type of uniform
at all entertainments. His general air of aloofness, solemnity and dignity did
not contribute much to his popularity. On the other hand, Her Imperial Highness
the Crown Princess Fowzieh made an excellent impression by her charm and good
looks.
April 25, 1939 : The Royal Review.
This special military review was held on the grounds of the Jalalieh Race-
Course. The small diplomatic stand and enclosure was grossly overcrowded as
no provision had been made for extra or reserved seats for the members of the
special foreign delegations, many having to stand for over six hours.
The three large public stands were filled with specially invited guests, but
were not overcrowded. The general public was kept back by the police at a
considerable distance on the edges of the area and consequently could see very
little.
His Imperial Majesty the Shah and His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince
arrived late. Both mounted and rode round the front ranks of the foreign naval
and military detachments and the Tehran Garrison. On their return to the Royal
Pavilion a display of trick horsemanship was given by 100 men of the
3rd (Hamleh) Regiment of Cavalry. Then followed a drive at the canter by a
Horse Artillery Regiment. The 2nd (Fateh) Regiment of Cavalry then advanced
in mass and halted in front of the Royal Pavilion. The Regimental Commandant
dismounted and carrying a new colour advanced to the Royal Pavilion, where
he was signalled by the Shah to proceed to the Royal Ladies’ Tent to the left of
the pavilion. There Her Imperial Highness Princess Fowzieh affixed her personal
emblem to the colour and returned it to the regiment, which now bears her name.
It was a great pity that this event was not carried out in full view of the
general public or even the regiment itself. As a ceremony the whole affair was
without interest.
After this the Iranian air force flew past in the following order : The visiting
Japanese and Italian aircraft headed by a “ Fury ” machine of the Iranian air
force. Seven “ Vultee ” aircraft of the Turkish air force. Seventy-seven aero-