Coll 28/112A ‘Persia. Tabriz – Monthly despatches of internal situation in Azerbaijan & misc. reports.’ [‎336r] (674/1237)

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Tabriz Diary for" 1944
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65. Oeaeral aituatiort ; 1 r tlow Kuz has found ths population of Azer-
baijan as a whole in a much batter position than a year ago. The
winter has been mild, bread plentiful and cheaper, wages considerably
higher and public health satisfactory. Spring has come early and
crop prospects are excellent. Given favourable climatic conditions
for the next few weeks, this year’s harvest may well equal that of
last year. Crop prospects in the Caucasus are also believed to be
similarly good.
Polling in Tabriz for the Majlis election finished on March 20th
but the results will not be known for about another month. The most
remarkable feature has been the indifference of the mass of the Tabriz
population, less than one third of the electors recording their vote.
There has been much criticism of the candidates in general and those
actively supported by the Hussians in particular. There is a feeling
that they are mostly unworthy representatives, little likely to fur
ther the people’s interests. Many people think that the Russians
have shown very poor Judgment in the choice of their candidates, who
could never be anything more than Majlis nonentities as they lack
both experience and capacity. One Persian official recounts that he
asked Pishivari, the Russian number one, why he had come to Tabriz.
He replied that he had come to be elected to the Majlis. Our friend
then asked him what qualifications he had for the position, to which
Pishivari replied that he had once been in prison. "hat has also
made an unhappy Impression is the openness of Russian interference
and many ask themselves why, if Russian intentions towards Azerbaijan
are honest, they should struggle so desperately to secure the return
of their nominees. It nil seems, in local opinion, to augur badly
for the future.
The How Ruz holidays have given the opportunity for much dis
cussion about the Government changes. The appointment of Mohamed
Sasd as Prime Minister has been generally welcomed as he is an Azer
baijani. The possibility of Assadullah Mamagani, another local man,
becoming Minister of Justice has also given pleasure. What would
still be better received would be the recall of Hassan Taghi Zadeh
from London to become a member of the Government. He is generally
looked on ns Azerbaijan’s foremost citizen. Much interest has been
taken in Seyyid Zia-ud-Din’s victory in the Majlis over Dr. MUsaddiq
and the former’s stock has risen sharply.
66. Local Officials. The new Governor-General, Mehdi Dadvar,
arrived on March 23rd. He has not yet received members of the
Consular corps. It is understood that he is indisposed after his
journey. 3rd
Sarhaag Rlza Jawadi, commander of the skeleton/division, and
and Sarhang Fridun Farr, commander of the gendarmerie in Azerbaijan,
were both promoted to the rank of Sartip at Kow Ruz.
Hi&ayatullah Fumayoun Farr has been appointed head of the posts
and telegraphs in Tabriz and has already arrived.
Ilasri, head of the same department in Rezaieh, has had his pay
doubled to induce him to remain at his post.
It is still impossible to find a police chief for the 3rd Ustan.
It Is reported that several officials to whom the post has been
offered have declined it on the ground that they would be unable to
function properly, while the Russians seem to have objected to other
candidates. It is also said they favour the complaisant acting
official, Yavar Zia.
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67. Tabriz Elections. Although the voting in Tabriz finished on
March 20th as already mentioned, it is not yet completed in all the
surrounding district. Counting of the Tabriz votes has begun and the
first 400 taken show a majority for the Tudeh Iran list. This was to
be expected as a result of the party’s energetic and little
/scrupulous