Ext 5000/47/1 'Persian situation: miscellaneous reports' [‎60r] (120/704)

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Kn Clair POLITICAL DISTRIBOTION
PROM TSHRAN TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Sir J. Le Rougetel D. 3,52 p.m. 4th April, 1948
No. 270
R. 5.04 p.m. 4th April, 1948
4th April, 1948
Repeated Moscow,
Washington,
British Middle Bast Office, Cairo.
IMMBDIATB
Addressed to For eign Off ice telegram No. 270 of April 4th
repeated for information to ""Moscow, Washington and””
British Middle East Office.
My telegram No. 256 of March 29th.
Soviet press relations.
Persian reply was handed to Soviet Ambassador on
April 1st and published yesterday.
2. Note which is signed by Prime Minister expresses
regret that the Soviet Government have not attached
due importance to the last Persian note and in particular
to the statement that Soviet concern in the matter of
United States Military Mission represents an intervention
in Persian internal affairs, especially since in Article 5
of the 1921 'Treaty and in the non-aggression pact of 1927,
the Soviet Government, formally undertook to abstain
from such intervention.
3. The Persian Government has nothing to add to its.
previous note as regards activities of the .American Mission,
but surprise is exoressed that the Soviet Government allude
in this connexion to the events of 1941. The note points
out that in 1941 there were no foreign troops in Persian
soil justifying the application of the 1921 Treaty, and indeed
up to June 1941 relations between the Soviet Union and
Germany were not such as could give rise to Russia's
fears of German activities. After June 21st 1941, the
Persian Government continued its policy of neutrality, and the
mention of the 1921 Treaty in the Soviet note on December 12th
of that year was nothing more than a pretext, the real
purpose being to benefit from the communications of Persia
to accelerate Allied aid to Russia. 4 5
4. Note goes on to repeat the charges of Soviet
intervention in Azerbaijan as shown by the non-fulfilment
by Russia of the tripartite undertaking for the withdrawal
of troops and by the intervention of Soviet forces in
Azerbaijan by means such as deportations, imprisonments and
restriction of Persian troop movements. As regards
Soviet statement that refugees to whom they had given asylum
were democrats persecuted for their political opinions
note points out that they were common law criminals
and the Soviet statement that these men are ’’defenders
of liberty” and statements regarding the asylum and liberty
given to these people to pursue their propaganda against
Persia are themselves incompatible with friendly relations
and contrary to Soviet engagements under the treaties of
1921 and 1927.
5. The Persian Goverrmant takes...