Coll 28/97(1) ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries.’ [‎344r] (687/807)

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R. Bullard to Mr. Eden.—(Received January 26, 1942.)
(No. 222.)
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. 31 for the period the 16th to
29th December, 1941, compiled by the military attache to this Legation.
Tehran, December 30, 1941.
(Secret.)
Military Attache's Intelligence Summary No. 31 for the Period
December 16 to 29, 1941.
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Persian A jfairs.
THE treaty was presented to the Majlis on the 21st and published in the
press on the 22nd. It is early yet to assess public sentiment, but it can be said
that its reception has not been altogether unfavourable. There was some vigorous
criticism in a secret session of Parliament, but at the next session on the 28th,
when the Bill had its first reading, opinion seemed to be rather more favourable
than adverse. Some of the local newspapers have presented fair arguments for
its acceptance.
It will be read in the Majlis a second time during the coming week, and
informed opinion considers that it will be approved.
2. In the provinces, as far as available information goes, the treaty has
provoked little comment. Bread and sugar remain the chief interest of the
people.
3. In private conversations with members of the legation staff the Shah
has emphasised his complete loyalty to the terms of the treaty. Persia is now
definitely on the side of the Allies, and he would use his influence to persuade the
people that collaboration was in the best interests of the country, both as regards
the present and the future. He does not like the wording of the last sentence
of article 3 (2) (a), which limits the role of Persian forces to the maintenance of
internal security. He considers that for the restoration of morale it is essential
that the Persian army should be inspired with a determination to defend Persian
soil if the Germans should ever reach it. Last-minute endeavours were made by
the Government for an alteration in the wording of this paragraph to give the
Persian army a less humble role.
The Shah associates himself closely with his army, feels deeply the humilia
tion it has suffered, and is really anxious for the restoration of its prestige and
morale.
4 . The Shah’s popularity is increasing, and he impresses Europeans who
meet him as a reasonable, unaffected and simple man with the interests of his
people at heart.
5. The Persian Government has prohibited the export of cotton and leather
goods produced in local factories.
Appointments.
6 . Muhammad Hussein Jahanbani to be Director-General of the Ministry
of the Interior.
Ardalan (33) (27) to be Governor of Isfahan.
Hassan Zandi to be consul-general of Persia at Baku.
(The first figures refer to Military Attache’s, the second to Foreign Office,
Personalities.)
[26—10]
K £Cd. POL. > T
I 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.