Coll 28/97(1) ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries.’ [‎244r] (487/807)

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6 . German Interests.
(i) German activities in Iran have been much quieter recently. This may
be due to police activities or the expectation of a quick victory over Great Britain.
The Soviet, too, are believed to be watching German activities with unfriendly
gyes. Germans, too, may very well believe that, as a result of the collapse of
France, the Imperial Government will adopt a policy friendlier to Germany. The
recent changes in the Cabinet, however, have not borne this out. The new Prime
Minister, although a man of no character and unlikely to influence the course
of events, is reputed to be friendly to the Allies. The new Minister of the Interior,
M. Soheili, was a former Minister in London. Reports from Kabul, however,
state he was on very friendly terms with the German Legation there.
The Persian broadcasts from Berlin become increasingly critical and are
causing the Shah irritation. In reply, Radio Tehran on the 26th June made a
short announcement to the effect that the Imperial Government did not know
whether the statements of the Berlin radio in its Persian transmission represented
the Reich Government’s views or only those of the announcer. In any case, they
were inacceptable, and the Iranian Government had an answer and would reply
in its own good time.”
(ii) For some time lately the German Legation has been drawing up lists
of prominent and wealthy Jews in Iran as well as the more wealthy Armenians.
The exact reason for this is not known, but it is suspected that these individuals
would be offered to the mob as bait should trouble break out in Iran. The Berlin
Persian broadcast always makes bitter comment on the Jews.
(iii) A German petroleum expert has recently arrived in Tehran. The
German Legation is reported to have offered the services of a large number of
other oil experts.
7. Czech Interests.
As a result of the French collapse, the Czechs in Iran, who number about
200—250, are now very anxious as to their position. In view of General
Mittelhauser’s statement that he will no longer take part in the war, many of
them wish to come under British protection. Several are desirous of joining the
British army, but the majority wish to know if any arrangements can be made for
their safety, departure, ultimate residence, &c., in case of trouble.
8 . French Interests.
At the news of the Marshal Petain Government s desire for an armistice,
the French Legation and colony were incredulous and stunned. On hearing of
the acceptance of the armistice terms, this turned to indignation and a firm
determination to carry on with the war.
The French Military Attache, Commandant Alessandri, telegraphed to
General Mittelhauser offering his personal services and those of his staff. In
reply he has received orders from Beirut to remain at his post.
The two assistant French Military Attaches, who are reserve officers, fear
that they may be demobilised by the military authorities in France. Both wish to
offer their services to the British.
9 . United States Interests.
Eight American citizens and one British subject (Canadian) travelling m
L.M. aeroplane chartered for the journey from Bombay to Bahrein via Jask
a K L.M. aeroplane cnarterea ior uie juumcy num ^ ’A
were detained at Jask, as their passports bore visas for Bahrein issued by the
British authorities in India. On urgent representations by the United states
Charge d’Affaires in Tehran, the Imperial Government have promised to permit
these^passengers to leave Jask by the next aeroplane on the 29th June The
Ministry for Foreign Affairs denied with embarrassment that there had been
difficulty with visas, and stated (untruthfully) ^that the cause^ of delay was a
change in the marking of the K.L.M. aircraft.
The aircraft concerned had been
allowed to leave.
10. The National Iranian Aero Club.
/;\ mpp Aero Club have concluded a contract with an Armenian,
M Tufenkdiian agent for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation of the United States
ol’America for’thf purchase of twenty-five Rearwin training aircraft, delivery
to be within a period of four months.