Coll 28/112B Persia. Tabriz. Monthly dispatches of internal situation in Azerbaijan, & misc: reports.’ [‎155r] (310/451)

having 8 iiiug t> led most of the bank: *"1111 f a cash reserve out of
haerbalj^n last ^eceiaber, and this, together with the local
Manager s proper refusal, on instructions from hi a head Office,
to recognize the signatures of tne democrat controlled officials
of the native banks, roused in the National ^overniaent a hoetility
which was only appeased oy obtaining sanction to release to them
a small balance standing to the credit of one of the native
hanks. 1 'he Russian ^ougul-generi 1 was asked if tne Russian
military would supply protection for the imperial bank in case
the Azerbaijan authorities, as they threatened, withdrew theirs,
but the Consul-General declined to coiuu.iit nuuself.
In the circumstances that nave prevailed throughout these
six months British A raae has naturally made no ha adway here,
kh© reason, however, is almost purely politicals once the barriers
in the way of normal banking and Import transactions are removed
there should be an important increase in tne number of orders
placed in the United Kingdom, but to secure this market sp^ed
of delivery is of paramount importance.
19. *he democrat police closed down the
loudape;.ker of the Public delations nureau shop in --arch. Ibis
was surprising only in two particulars** first tnat they should
have waited so long, and, second, tnat they should have chosen to
do it by means of an act of inspired hooliganism wnich left the
balance of popular sympathy with us.
in the critical months of ^arch and ^pril, wh«a few
fabrizis dared come near the shop, sales of ^ritish publications
declined sharply, but that it was fear, not lack of Interest,that
caused this was shown by the improvement as soon as the agreement
with iehr&n was rescued, ho long as "ritish propaganda is not
forcibly suppressed here it will hold its own, ^n its merits,
with the Russian*
20. dQ;;cl^sion* fhe first six months of 1946 have seen the
consolidation of the regime inaugurated by the revolt of last
December, for the Agreement of dune 15th., however it may be
represented oy ieuran, does in fact confirm the -izeroaijan demo
crats in power. 1 'nis Province has ceased to be the so-ne of the
conflict and tn© centre of interest has now shifted to Tehran and
tne houth, out Azerbaijan has still a most important role to play
In Russian policy in Iran as uain^ not only the gateway to the
country cut also a resevoir ootn of material force and influence
the extent of wnich may perhaps be revealed when the fifteenth
ittujliB meets*
Finally, a purely local view might find a place among all
ti^ greater principles involved: the ordinary people of Azerbaijan
- for what they may be worth in the world - are materially some
what better off tuan they were seven months ago under direct
Persian rule, for the local democrats are, on the whole, honester*
2 1. 1 am eenuing copies of this despaten to the foreign Office,
the Government of India, u.6.1. Delhi, His majesty g tsabassador
at -oscow, his Majesty f s doi i8 ui a t Armans hah, di s ^jesty’s
consul at -K)aul, J.X.O.I. Baj^ndad, and the Air bffi cer do>aaiandin«
Iraq.
I have the honour to be,
bir,
four most obedient, humble Servant,
all
J