Coll 28/112A ‘Persia. Tabriz – Monthly despatches of internal situation in Azerbaijan & misc. reports.’ [‎348r] (698/1237)

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Tabriz Diary for XV44
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30 . General Situation. Widespread interest has been taken
decision of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union to extend
privilege of diplomatic representation abroad to the individual re
publics as it is felt to be a matter closely affecting the future
of Azerbaijan. Moslem vieea are generally cautious. While ther«
are some who argue that it represents a step forward in the evolu
tion of the Soviet political system in a liberal direction end is
therefore to je welcomed, the majority incline to the idee that
there ia no question of a change of heart but rather of political
expediency. With some the German propaganda version that it is a
device for further Bolshevisation finds acceptance: by still more
the view is taken that it is a method of increasing the weight and
influence of Soviet diplomatic representation at a tine when a
peace settlement looms large on the horizon. By the Armenians the
announcement is generally welcomed. Many Dashnaks have been heard
to say that a free Armenia with a powerful protector represents pre
cisely their political ambition. Others talk of the possibility
the new principle opens up of a Greater Azerbaijan, ihe .w-rMeniens,
fearing Moslem reprisals for their pro-Soviet attitude in the event
of a complete Russian withdrawal, are anxious for a stabilisation
of Soviet influence in Azerbaijan short, however, of complete sub-
merffonce in the Bolshevik system.
The Moslem population as a whole views any such prospect with
dismay end is extremely sensitive to any signs of increasing Soviet
penetration. The requisitioning of more houses by the Russian au
thorities, combined with the arrival of a number of officers’ fami
lies and militarised women, has given rise to a series of hysteri
cal rumours, the most exaggerated of which foresees the early es
tablishment of two million Russian civilians in Azerbaijan and an
equal number in Gilaii. The emphasis here has been on an increase
of Russian civilians, not troops, and thore is no reliable evidence
that the latter have been substantially increased other than oy the
arrival of further base details. It is certain, however, that ail
existing Rus3l«n barrack; accommodation is full. It does not seem
unnatural that increasing numbers of families should be sent here
to join officers who are in Azerbaijan convalescing in view of the
comparatively favourable food situation and the improved communica
tions with Soviet Russia. The same considerations might also
naturally lead to an increased number of light-duty troops.
31 . Local Officials. It has now been announced that Y\xsau^e&-
Saltaneh Mehdi Dadvar is to become Governor-General of Western
Azerbaijan. No date has yet been given for his arrival at Tabriz.
His appointment has aroused comparatively little comment ana f©^
hopes. He is entirely unknown in Tabriz, but the reports of those
who have known him elsewhere picture him as one who evades diffi
culties and likely to resign if rough weather is met. He is also
described ns honest and devout. It is thought he may have one ad
vantage as compared with Fahimi in that he will come free from
local commitments ana prejudices.
The new Governor-General is about seventy years of age. The
Farraandar, Mubassir Rosheni, is thought to be about seventy-five.
Thus Tabriz is being converted into an 'asile des vieillaros .
This carries certain drawbacks with it as no dinner in Tabriz to
which the Governor-General or Governor is invited can begin until
he arrives. Mubaaslr Roshani accepted an invitation to dinner at
the house of a Persian official for last Thursday evening (the one
evening of the week his official duties allow him relaxation ana
the other guests awaited him for two and a half hours in vain. Fin
ally a oar was sent to bring him, but the chauffeur returned to in
form the hungry guests that he had long since retired to bea.
32, Tabriz Elections. The election comedy pursues its now dreary
course. After it had been decided to post the election notices on
/March
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