Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran (1941)

49

U.S. Department of State (September 1, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/14565: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, August 30, 1941 — 1 p.m.
[Received September 1 — 10:35 a.m.]

122.

The British Minister has given me the following outline of the British terms which have just been received from London and which will be presented to the Iranian Government as soon as the Russian Ambassador receives his terms and instructions:

  1. The Russians will withdraw north of the following line: From the Iraq frontier to Ushnūīyeh thence in an easterly direction through Miandoab, Zenjan, and Kazvin; northeast to Khorramabad (on the Caspian); east to Babolsar, south to Samnan, northeast to Shahrud, and north to the Russian border.

  2. British will withdraw west and south of following line: Khanaqin eastward to Kermanshah; in southeasterly direction through Khorramabad (Luristan), Maidan-i-Naftūn, Haftkel, and Gachsaran; southwest to Bandar Deylam (on the Gulf).

  3. Occupation of both these zones will be temporary.

  4. Germans in Iran will be expelled within 1 week although a few technicians will be allowed to remain.

  5. Iranian Government will give full facilities for transit through Iran of war supplies and munitions but not troops.

  6. Iran will maintain a policy of strict neutrality.

  7. British and Russians will maintain friendly relations with Iran.

  8. British will continue to pay their oil royalties.

The terms do not seem to be as severe as had been expected and will no doubt be accepted without rejections by Iranians. It will be noted that the entire oil fields are included in British zone.

DREYFUS

740.0011 European War 1939/14567: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, August 31, 1941 — 9 a.m.
[Received September 1 — 10:40 a.m.]

123.

At my first meeting with the Foreign Minister yesterday he informed me that the Shah was most disappointed that his request through this Legation and his Legation at Washington for American good offices had received no reply.

DREYFUS

740.00115 European War 1939/1367: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, August 31, 1941 — 10 a.m.
[Received September 1 — 10:55 a.m.]

124.

The German Minister approached me yesterday to request my good offices with the British and Russian authorities to insure humane treatment of the 900 Germans who have taken refuge in the German Legation. He seemed honestly to fear for the lives of Germans on the arrival of the Russian troops and stated that he much preferred to have them turned over to the British rather than the Russians. I took the liberty of assuring him that American Government would look with great disfavor on any mistreatment of Germans here and he seemed relieved at my promise to take up the matter informally. British and Russian Envoys with whom I took up the matter informally later in the day assured me that they would do their utmost to see that the Germans are treated humanely and in accordance with international usage. I do not intend to press the matter further since it now appears that Russian troops will not come to Tehran.

DREYFUS

740.0011 European War 1939/14568: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, August 31, 1941.
[Received September 1 — 3:55 p.m.]

126.

Referring to my No. 122, the Russian and British terms were presented to the Iranian Government at 5 p.m. yesterday. The Prime Minister informed Russian and British Envoys a short time ago that the Iranian Government accepts terms in principle. The Prime Minister informed the Majlis this morning that negotiations with the British and Russians have reached an advanced stage. In calling on the deputies and people to be more calm he said that the attitude of panic shown by the Iranians had done great harm.

About 9 a.m. today 8 Russian planes over Tehran dropped a number of bombs. Our Military Attaché examined the craters of 2 which fell about a mile from the airport but did no damage. I have definite knowledge that 2 men killed and 1 injured by a bomb which fell in the south of the city and it is possible there were other casualties. Russian planes are at this moment again overhead. It is difficult to understand why the Russians have bombed Tehran after the Iranians have ceased resistance and after terms have been presented. It is possible that it was a reprisal for the incident mentioned in my No. 21 [121]. If their purpose was to create terror among the Iranians they have succeeded. Some of the leaflets dropped today were addressed to peasant farmers of Iran and stressed how much Russia has done to assist them.

DREYFUS

The Pittsburgh Press (September 1, 1941)

BRITISH, RED TROOPS MEET IN IRAN

Soviet and British Indian soldiers in Iran, 1941 V Norman

London, Sept. 1 (UP) –
British Imperial and Russian troops have effected contact, their first of the war, at the town of Sanandaj in western Iran, a British General Headquarters communiqué issued at Simla, India, announced today.

The Russian and British troops met after a march through the mountains and high tablelands of Kurdistan.

To meet the British, the Russians thrust swiftly 250 miles southward from their frontier and, it was understood, completely cut off Iran from Turkey, thus leaving the country’s only free frontier that bordering on Afghanistan.

The British marched about 100 miles eastward from Iraq for the meeting.

Other British troops of the same column penetrated another 85 miles east-southeastward of Sanandaj to reach the important town of Hamedan, near the reputed tombs of Mordecai and Esther, Biblical figures.

The Simla communiqué said:

The British troops found the situation quite peaceful. Local officials were most helpful and the inhabitants were most friendly. All British residents were safe and sound.

The communiqué confirmed that Tehran, the Iranian capital, was under martial law.

It noted that British forces in the southern area found that “slight damage” had been done to the Bandar Shahpur-Gaggar railroad.

This was presumably the work of saboteurs.

ONLY SCORES OF PRISONERS SHOW THERE WAS IRAN BLITZ
By Henry T. Gorrell, United Press staff writer

Basra, Iraq, Aug. 29 – (delayed)
It is difficult to believe that only four days ago British forces smashed across the Tigris River into Iran.

The Iraqi natives were hazy about how the British blitz started. I gathered that the roads from Baghdad to Basra were jammed with military traffic for several days before Gen. Sir Archibald P. Wavell ordered the advance. Then early one morning, the British threw pontoon bridges across the Tigris and troops began to march as others were landed on the Abadan waterfront by tugs, sloops and air transports. The shooting was described as very mild by those who heard any of it.

If I hadn’t seen scores of Iranian prisoners being herded into concentration camps by turbaned Indians, I would have sworn I had gone to the wrong place.

British casualties were said to be very few, because the bulk of the Iranian forces retired without resistance. Except for three officials of an Abadan refinery who were shot by Iranian troops when they left their office, all British oil, bank, and consular officials were understood to be safe.

British prisoners have already been released and 700 Iranian troops captured during seven hours of street fighting which preceded the fall of Abadan will be released as soon as the peace terms are announced, it was said.

An Englishman who said he planned to join his family in Tehran, the Iranian capital, “in two or three days,” said the Persians might have been able to offer more resistance if the 10 Curtiss Tomahawk fighter planes received from the United States a few weeks ago had been unpacked.

He said:

I saw them myself in a Persian airdrome. I talked with a Curtiss representative who delivered them to the Shah and was supposed to assembled them. Then, mysteriously, after he had put one Tomahawk in condition to fly, the Curtiss representative took sick and nine of the 10 fights are still in their packing cases.

The British seized the Tomahawks and much additional material, including guns and shells made in the German-controlled Skoda works.

REDS OCCUPY SIX MORE IRANIAN TOWNS

Moscow, Sept. 1 (UP) –
Russian troops occupied six more Iranian towns yesterday, including Qazvin on the Rasht-Tehran highway, only 80 miles from the capital, the official news agency TASS said today.

TASS said the Iranian people were welcoming the Russians cordially.

It quoted Iranian officers as saying that the Iranian ruling classes viewed German intrigues sympathetically but the common people and the army did not want war with the Soviet Union.

TASS said Red tanks, infantry and cavalry were advancing in Iran according to plan and, in addition to Qazvin, the towns of Sari, Sakhi, Sabzevar, Robat-e Khakestari and Shak-e-Dzham had been occupied.

50

U.S. Department of State (September 2, 1941)

740.00115 European War 1939/1369: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, September 1, 1941 — 2 p.m.
[Received September 2 — 10:05 a.m.]

129.

Referring No. 124, I have consented at request of British Minister and with approval of Foreign Minister to act solely as transmitting agent in negotiations between British and German Ministers for disposition of Germans in Iran. The British Minister has offered following suggestion which he feels if accepted by all parties would offer a solution and prevent Germans falling into Russian hands: The German Legation and community would be free to arrange for sending all Germans to Ahvaz without interference by British, Russians, or Iranians; they would there be taken over by British military authorities for ultimate internment in India; certain Germans would be permitted to remain in Iran; the British would reserve liberty of action in case Germans did not carry out the arrangement faithfully and honestly; German Legation would remain in Tehran.

I have communicated the above to German Minister who will make reply as soon as he has consulted his Government and Iranian Foreign Minister. The British and Russians have no immediate intention of expelling any other Axis nationals.

DREYFUS

740.00115 European War 1939/1370: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, September 1, 1941 — 9 p.m.
[Received September 2 — 11:58 a.m.]

130.

The Turkish Chargé d’Affaires informs me his Government has instructed him to give to Germans refuge in the Turkish city and country embassies in Tehran with a view to facilitating their eventual departure for Germany. This step if carried out may have serious consequences for Iran since it would interfere with the British plan for the disposition of the Germans and might cause a severe revision of British terms. It may also […] occupation of Tehran by the Russians who have already established headquarters at Qazvin and might have the unfortunate consequences of aggravating the Iranian problem at a time when it is well on the way to satisfactory solution.

Repeated to Ankara.

DREYFUS

51

740.0011 European War 1939/14326: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran

Washington, September 2, 1941 — 6 p.m.

80.

For your information, the following is the text of a message from the President to the Shah dated September 2, 1941 in response to a message which the President received from His Majesty. It should also be considered as a response to the message of the Iranian Government transmitted by your 106, August 25, 6 p.m.

[Here follows text of telegram printed _supra_]

HULL

740.0011 European War 1939/14641: Telegram

President Roosevelt to the Shah of Iran

Washington, September 2, 1941.

I have received Your Imperial Majesty’s communication regarding the recent entry of British and Russian forces into Iran. I have been following the course of events in Iran with close attention and have taken careful note of Your Majesty’s remarks.

I am persuaded that this situation is entitled to the serious consideration of all free nations including my own, and Your Majesty may rest assured that we are giving it such consideration and are maintaining our traditional attitude with respect to the basic principles involved.

At the same time I hope Your Majesty will concur with me in believing that we must view the situation in its full perspective of present world events and developments. Viewing the question in its entirety involves not only vital questions to which Your Imperial Majesty refers, but other basic considerations arising from Hitler’s ambition of world conquest. It is certain that movements of conquest by Germany will continue and will extend beyond Europe to Asia, Africa, and even to the Americas, unless they are stopped by military force. It is equally certain that those countries which desire to maintain their independence must engage in a great common effort if they are not to be engulfed one by one as has already happened to a large number of countries in Europe. In recognition of these truths, the Government and people of the United States of America, as is well known, are not only building up the defenses of this country with all possible speed, but they have also entered upon a very extensive program of material assistance to those countries which are actively engaged in resisting German ambition for world domination.

Your Imperial Majesty’s Minister at Washington is fully informed of this Government’s views on the international situation, and of the great effort on which this country is engaged, and I am certain that he has transmitted this information, based on his discussions here, to Your Majesty’s Government.

My Government has noted the statements to the Iranian Government by the British and Soviet Governments that they have no designs on the independence or territorial integrity of Iran. In view of the long-standing friendship between our two countries, my Government has already sought information from the British and Soviet Governments as to their immediate as well as long-range plans and intentions in Iran, and has suggested to them the advisability of a public statement to all free peoples of the world reiterating the assurances already given to Your Majesty’s Government.

I desire to assure Your Imperial Majesty of my good will and to renew to you the assurance of my sincere friendship.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

The Pittsburgh Press (September 2, 1941)

BRITISH, REDS, IRAN ABOUT TO SIGN PACT

London, Sept. 2 (UP) –
Authoritative informants said today that agreement in principle had been reached between Britain and Russia on one side and Iran on the other regarding the role of the Allied armies in Iran.

They added that they could not confirm reports that an agreement had actually been signed.

Many details must be decided with Iran, the informants said. One was whether the German legation would be permitted to remain open.

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52

U.S. Department of State (September 3, 1941)

740.00115 European War 1939/1371: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, September 2, 1941 — 1 p.m.
[Received September 3 — 10:15 a.m.]

132.

The Turkish Chargé d’Affaires informs me he received this morning new instructions from his Government authorizing him to grant refuge to Germans only in occupied parts of Iran. This would preclude the granting of asylum to Germans here and avoid the complication mentioned in my number 130.

This relieves a situation which was being viewed most seriously by the Iranian Government and the British Legation replies to Ankara.

DREYFUS

740.0011 European War 1939/14648: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, September 3, 1941 — 9 a.m.
[Received 11 p.m.]

134.

The Iranian Government in its reply to the British and Russian notes accepts the terms offered with only one important exception: They request that the British zone be altered to exclude Dezful and Khorramabad and that Russian zone be amended to exclude Qazvin, Semnan, and Shahrood. In addition, they make following observations: they hope that Iranian independence and right to administer the entire country will continue, that the police will immediately resume their duties, that they will not be expected to pay expenses of occupying forces, that to avoid conflicts the forces will have as little contact as possible with the people, that the Allies will buy the goods formerly bought by Germany, that arms and ammunition which have fallen into Allied hands will be returned, that compensation will be made for lives and property lost after Iranian resistance ceased, that prohibition on entry of Germans will last only for the duration of the war, and that the Allies will withdraw their forces when the situation permits. They agree to the expulsion of the Germans but expect the Allies to arrange for their safe conduct.

The Iranians, I understand, have asked for revision of the Russian zone since they fear the Russians, if so near Tehran, may seek a pretext to occupy the capital. Confidentially the British Minister expresses the same fear.

The British and Russian Envoys are still awaiting instructions concerning expulsion of Germans who continue their refuge in German Legation.

DREYFUS

53

U.S. Department of State (September 4, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/14842

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State

Washington, September 4, 1941.

The Soviet Ambassador called at his request. He referred to the suggestion of this Government that Russia and Great Britain proclaim to the general public the temporary nature of their occupation of Iran, et cetera, et cetera, and indicated that he thought they were doing so to a sufficient extent. I replied that, of course, what my Government had in mind was intended for the benefit of public opinion both in Iran and especially in the Moslem world, and that I still thought it would be very helpful for this simple declaration to be made. I then said that the President had made an appropriate statement on this subject in reply to a request for mediation by this country made by Iran. I then repeated to him the substance of my conversation with the Rumanian representative here on yesterday. He seemed very much gratified to learn this. I also emphasized the point that, of course, this Government, in replying to the Iranian Government, had taken care of the entire situation for Great Britain and Russia so far as it was at all consistent. He was very appreciative of this.

CORDELL HULL

740.0011 European War 1939/14463: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom

Washington, September 4, 1941 — 2 p.m.

3563.

Reference is made to the telephone conversation on August 27 between the [Acting] Chief of the European Division and the Minister Counselor, and to the last paragraph, Section 2 of the Embassy’s no. 3925, August 28, 4 p.m., regarding Iran.

In a reply dated September 2, 1941, to a message received from the Shah, the President has stated in part as follows:

My Government has noted the statements to the Iranian Government by the British and Soviet Governments that they have no designs on the independence or territorial integrity of Iran. In view of the long-standing friendship between our two countries, my Government has already sought information from the British and Soviet Governments as to their immediate as well as long-range plans and intentions in Iran, and has suggested to them the advisability of a public statement to all free peoples reiterating the assurances already given to Your Majesty’s Government.

You are requested to discuss this matter further with the Foreign Office as early as practicable in the light of the President’s message to the Shah quoted in part above and you should express the hope that sympathetic consideration may be given to our suggestion regarding the advisability of a public statement to all free peoples reiterating the assurances already given to the Government of the Shall by the British and Soviet Governments. Please also state that we desire to be kept informed of developments in the matter.

A communication similar to the foregoing is being sent to the Soviet Government.

HULL

The Pittsburgh Press (September 4, 1941)

IRAN MAY BAN AXIS LEGATIONS

London, Sept. 4 –
Authoritative quarters, pointing out that negotiations are still continuing, said yesterday that Anglo-Soviet peace terms with Iran may include a provision for expulsion or strict limitation of legations representing countries under German control.

British and Russian troops marched into Iran Aug. 25 because of the government’s refusal to expel German “tourists.”

It was said that instructions to Sir Reader Bullard, British Minister to Tehran, “include that in the future not only the German legation in Iran but the legations of other powers now under German control” be placed in such a position that there need be no grounds for apprehension regarding their activities.

CBS in New York said it heard the British radio broadcast a German-language news program yesterday that said:

The government of Iran has accepted the conditions of the Allies.

54

U.S. Department of State (September 5, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/14730: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, September 4, 1941 — 8 a.m.
[Received September 5 — 3 p.m.]

137.

The British Minister informs me he has received his instructions as to expulsion of Germans but since his Russian colleague has not they cannot yet be divulged. He told me in strict confidence however that the matter has taken a more serious turn since British terms were presented August 30 and that it now appears other Axis nationals will be expelled and that the German, Italian, Bulgarian and perhaps other Legations will have to leave Iran. He intimated this change last night to Foreign Minister who was of the opinion that the entire Cabinet might resign rather than submit thereto.

In my opinion this drastic change is the result of the complications brought on by the offer of asylum by the Turks (see my No. 130) and the high-handed attitude the Germans in Tehran have assumed since their first sigh of relief that their necks were temporarily safe from the dreaded Russians.

DREYFUS

740.0011 European War 1939/14729: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom to the Secretary of State

London, September 5, 1941 — 8 p.m.
[Received September 5 — 5:40 p.m.]

4102.

[Your] 3563 September 4, 2 p.m., has been taken up with Sir Horace Seymour at the Foreign Office and has been brought to Mr. Eden’s personal attention. Seymour has promised a reply as soon as possible. Seymour said that Sir R. Bullard had been instructed to keep Mr. Dreyfus fully informed of all negotiations and moves at Tehran. He said that they are faced with a serious practical difficulty at the moment as those Germans whom they particularly desire to get out of Iran have taken refuge in the German city and country Legations — about 700 altogether. The Shah is endeavoring to force their consent for the return of these Germans to Germany. The British on the other hand are determined to decide themselves which ones may be allowed to return to Germany and Seymour says that there are some of them whom they would not under any circumstances permit to return.

Mr. Eden in a speech at Coventry last Saturday in which he made a general survey of the present war position reinforced the statement he had previously given out regarding British action in Iran. He said:

…meanwhile let me make plain once again our general attitude. We have no territorial claims against Iran. We covet no square inch of Iranian territory. We have no design nor have our Russian allies any design to annex any part of the areas which our forces have now occupied. His Majesty’s Government and the Soviet Government have repeatedly assured the Iranian Government of their determination to respect the political independence and the territorial integrity of Iran. We have repeated that pledge to the Government of our ally Turkey and to the Governments of neighboring states. That pledge stands. We shall as soon as military conditions permit withdraw our forces from Iranian territory.

Full text of this speech has been forwarded by air mail.

WINANT

740.0011 European War 1939/14641: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Turkey

Washington, September 5, 1941 — 8 p.m.

155.

The following is the text of a telegram sent by the President on September 2, 1941, to the Shah of Iran in response to a message received from the latter:

[Here follows text]

You are requested to furnish the Foreign Office informally with a copy of the foregoing message for the confidential information of the Turkish Government.

With reference to the penultimate paragraph of the President’s message to the Shah, you should inform the Foreign Office that our representatives at London and Moscow were instructed on September 4 to express to the British and Soviet Governments respectively the hope of this Government that sympathetic consideration will be given to the suggestion previously made regarding the advisability of a public statement to all free peoples reiterating the assurances already given to the Iranian Government by the British and Soviet Governments.

HULL

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The Pittsburgh Press (September 5, 1941)

NAZIS STYMIED, RED GENERAL IN IRAN SAYS
By Henry T. Gorrell, United Press staff writer_

With the Red Army at Qazvin, Iran, Sept. 3 – (delayed)
Russia has broken the German blitzkrieg and Russia and Britain by their action in Iran have paralyzed aggressive German plans for the Near East, General Max Sinenko, commanding the Red Army in northern Iran, said today.

The Germans relied on lightning war tactics to take important point such as Odessa, Leningrad and Moscow, in six weeks, General Sinenko said.

He continued:

The six weeks have passed. They have not accomplished their objectives.

General Sinenko pounded his fist on the table in his simple headquarters, a room which contained a single bed with a red comforter, and barked emphatically. He spoke through an interpreter.

In discussing the effect of the swift, efficient Russian and British march into Iran, crowned by success when the Iranian government agreed to negotiate a war-long agreement which will leave the Allies in control of strategically important areas, the General’s voice was hard.

But during most of our talk, his voice was soft, in contrast to his rugged peasant face.

I had heard from officers here that when the Russians approached the Turkish frontier in their march down into Iran, they noticed considerable troop activity on the Turkish side. Officers had said also that the Turks were digging trenches and strengthening fortifications.

When I asked General Sinenko about this, he merely smiled, declining to reply directly.

I asked then about reports I had heard of minor unpleasantness in connection with the arrival of the Russians on the Iranian side of the Turkish frontier. A Russian officer at the spot told me that Turks shook their fists at the Russians.

The General said:

The Turkish attitude has been quite correct. There have been no incidents.

I ran a gantlet of steel-helmeted, almost motionless Russian guards to reach the general’s headquarters room, in company with a member of the Russian embassy staff at Tehran.

In illustration of the informality of the Russian army as regards the niceties of military protocol, the attaché book a seat beside the general and kept his brown felt hat on for several minutes after our arrival.

The attaché frequently joined in the exchange.

As we talked, orderlies and uniformed commissars stomped into the room at intervals without ceremony and handed the general messages.

General Sinenko appeared to be about 45. His graying hair is close cropped. He wore a dust-stained dark gray uniform. His rank was indicated only by the four oblong red tabs at erach collar point and one large and two small gold chevrons on each sleeve cuff.

Tehran, Iran, Sept. 5 –
More than 700 Germans caught in Tehran by the Anglo-Russian occupation were bivouacked today at the Nazi legation which they had converted into an armed camp with provisions for a siege if one should prove necessary. One source said the Germans had all needed supplies for a motorcade exit if that proved feasible.

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56

U.S. Department of State (September 6, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/14752: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, September 5, 1941 — 8 p.m.
[Received September 6 — 11:07 a.m.]

138.

The British and Russian notes on the expulsion of Axis nationals were delivered to the Iranian Government at noon today. As indicated in my No. 137 they are more severe than the original demands and will require the expulsion of the German, Italian, Hungarian, Bulgarian and Romanian colonies. The private citizens will be required to proceed to Ahvaz to await transportation to Indoid [India?] for internment. The Legations of these countries will also be required to leave Iran. In addition the Russians are demanding that certain named persons are turned over to them. The British reply to other Iranian suggestions regarding terms is expected from London tomorrow.

The Foreign Minister is appealing to the British to grant safe conduct to Turkey en route to Germany for the women and children and to intern the men of military age near Shiraz under British control. He urges this concession because he feels the Government is so weak that it could not survive the bad effects the Allied action would have on public opinion. The British Minister is however standing firm because he was reprimanded by London for suggesting more liberal terms at the time of the incident referred to in my 130.

The Foreign Minister who has just left the Legation sees no ray of hope for the Government or the people. He feels that the Cabinet will have to resign, that the situation will become chaotic, and he even fears Tehran may be occupied by Allied troops.

The Government is, as Foreign Minister indicates, in a precarious position. The Shah’s prestige sinks ever lower and the tide has so turned against him that his disappearance from the scene is probable.

Conditions in Tehran are quiet with martial law and curfew at 9 p.m. continuing.

DREYFUS

57

740.0011 European War 1939/14763: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union to the Secretary of State

Moscow, September 6, 1941 — 2 p.m.
[Received 5:55 p.m.]

1632.

Inasmuch as Dekanozov was placed in charge of Near Eastern affairs upon his return from Berlin, and as I understand he reports directly to Stalin, I conveyed to him yesterday the substance of the Department’s telegram under reference and expressed the hope that sympathetic consideration would be given the suggestion regarding the advisability of a public statement to all free peoples, reiterating the assurances already given to the Government of the Shah by the Soviet and British Governments. I also expressed a desire that my Government be kept informed of developments in the matter and requested him to inform me of the present position.

Dekanozov, who appeared to be anxious to place the Soviet position before me in the most favorable light, discussed the matter with complete frankness.

He commenced with an outline of the Soviet position which in effect constituted a summary of the note of August 25, from the Soviet Government, to the Iranian Ambassador in Moscow, adding that his Government had over a considerable period of time endeavored to persuade the Shah of the dangers inherent in the presence of a large number of German agents in Iran, and had requested him to take the necessary steps to put an end to the work of these agents as much to protect the interests of Iran as those of the Soviet Union. He stated that the Soviet Government had never been able to extract a satisfactory or reassuring response and that the Iranian Government had stubbornly refused to expel the German agents. He said that it was not until then that the Soviet and British Governments had found it necessary to take positive action.

Dekanozov then stated that the present position is “not as dangerous as before,” but that he could not say that all pending questions could be settled without difficulty. He gave “merely as an example” of some of the present difficulties the fact that several Iranian “officer aviators” had refused to obey orders of the Iranian Government not to resist the Soviet and British troops and had bombed Tehran. He expressed the opinion that Iran was “not yet peaceful enough” to permit of the withdrawal of the Soviet troops and that a final solution “was not simple.” He added that he thought the area that must be occupied would “not be so big — along the frontier” and that the Soviet Government thought it necessary for the time being to keep its troops in the country but that this would not affect the sovereignty or independence of Iran and that he was convinced a solution could eventually be found. He said it is “now more and more clear” that danger from German agents remains, not necessarily only from agents of German nationality who may now be expelled by the Iranian Government but from agents in the employ of the German Government who may be of other than German nationality.

With respect to the Department’s suggestion regarding a public statement, Dekanozov referred to the closing paragraph of the Soviet Government’s note of August 25 to the Iranian Ambassador and pointed out that the note had received the widest possible publicity. He said in consequence it should not be regarded as would be an unpublished diplomatic document and that through it the Soviet Government had put its assurances regarding the territorial integrity and national independence of Iran before the world. He said that in his opinion a reiteration of the Soviet Government’s position so soon after the publication of the note affirming its intentions might be misunderstood, but that he would take the suggestion under advisement and discuss it with his Government. In this connection he added that the work of the German agents “cannot be undone at once” and that he hoped the American Government would understand that, since it had been found necessary to send Soviet troops into Iran, it would not be possible to withdraw them “at once”. At this point he repeated that he thought it was “too soon” to reaffirm the Soviet Government’s assurances of eventual withdrawal but added “the assurances that were given in the note will be kept scrupulously”. At the close of our talk he again expressed the hope that the American Government understood the position of the Soviet Government, and its ultimate intentions as expressed in the note to the Iranian Ambassador Zahiniu [Sa’ed].

STEINHARDT

58

U.S. Department of State (September 7, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/14764: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union to the Secretary of State

Moscow, September 7, 1941 — 5 p.m.
[Received 7:45 p.m.]

1638.

For the President, the Secretary, and the Under Secretary.

The Iranian Ambassador called on me yesterday evening and gave me the following information concerning the status of the Anglo-Soviet-Iranian negotiations.

Recent notes of the Soviet and British Governments to the Iranian Government specify the area of Iranian territory to be occupied by their respective troops and require the expulsion of the Germans as well as an undertaking by the Iranian Government to facilitate railroad transportation through Iran.

The territory which it is proposed shall be occupied by Soviet troops is as follows: an area including all of Iranian Azerbaijan from Ouchaia[?] on the Turkish-Iranian frontier passing through Rezaiyeh, Haidarabad, Miandoab, Zenjan, Qazvin and Amul to a point on the Caspian Sea and including Meshed at which place the Soviets desire to station 12,000 troops and 50 planes.

The area which it is proposed shall be occupied by British troops is to include Khanaqin, Kaszy, Qasr-i-Shirin, and Kermanshah including the Port of Dilan on the Persian Gulf.

The Soviet advance has been stopped at Qazvin and the British advance at Hamadan.

In order to avoid even the appearance of any infringement of Iranian sovereignty, the Soviet and British Governments will not insist on the departure of the German and Italian diplomatic missions.

The Ambassador stated that he does not anticipate any difficulty with respect to the demand for the expulsion of the Germans or the facilitating of railroad traffic as the former would be completed “within a week” and the latter was agreeable to the Iranian Government. In so far as concerns the area which Britain proposes be occupied by its troops, he said it appeared to be reasonable as it was obviously limited to the protection of the oil fields and the facilitating of railroad transportation, in addition to which the Iranian Government does not fear the British occupation. In consequence, he was satisfied that his Government would have no objection to the acceptance of the terms of the British note.

Insofar as concerns the area proposed to be occupied by Soviet troops, however, he said that it is “five times great” as that proposed to be occupied by the British and constitutes an unreasonably large area of occupation. He added that as the Iranian Government fears the Soviet Union and communism and is by no means persuaded that the Soviet Government will ultimately withdraw its forces, he is seriously concerned lest the Shah refuse to accept the Soviet proposal. The Ambassador then said that he is endeavoring to persuade the Soviet Government to reduce the area which it proposes to occupy. Should the negotiations threaten to break down, he said he was considering returning immediately to Tehran, as he believed he could persuade the Shah to accept the Soviet and British proposals subject to modification along the lines described above.

In connection with the possibility that it might be necessary for him to proceed to Tehran to discuss the matter with the Shah he said he was anxious not to be absent from Moscow during the Anglo-American-Soviet conference and that he would appreciate being informed as to whether the conference was imminent. As I understand that our Government is desirous of a speedy and satisfactory settlement of the Iranian matter and as I believe that the presence in Tehran of the Ambassador and his personal presentation to the Shah of his point of view might effectively contribute to that end, I felt justified in saying to him that if, as he had stated, he contemplated an absence from Moscow of only about 2 weeks, I did not think the Anglo-American-Soviet conference would begin within that time.

STEINHARDT

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The Pittsburgh Press (September 7, 1941)

TWO POINTS HOLD UP NEGOTIATIONS IN IRAN

London, Sept. 6 –
Anglo-Soviet negotiations with Iran are being speeded up and it is expected that they will be concluded satisfactorily within a week.

Two principal points remain to be settled. One is Iran’s request for qualifications of the zones which British and Russian troops are to occupy. The other is the fate of the German legation staff and a number of German nationals, totaling 700, who have sought refuge in the legation at Tehran.

One report states that the Germans are armed and have threatened to fight arrest.

Normally, the British would permit the German diplomats to depart, but there is a question as to the number who are actually diplomats. Also the Germans now hold Sir Lancelot Oliphant, British Ambassador in France, and 55 British consuls.

If the British decided not to release the Germans in Iran, it might subsequently be possible to arrange an exchange.

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U.S. Department of State (September 8, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/14808: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, September 7, 1941 — 11 a.m.
[Received September 8 — 5:15 p.m.]

140.

With reference to my No. 138, the British Minister has informed me of the following developments:

  1. Because of Russian insistence the Bulgarians will be allowed to remain in Iran;

  2. The Russians have refused the Iranian request for alteration of their occupied zone but the British have approved the stationing of Iranian troops in Dezful and Khorramabad;

  3. The Foreign Minister still urges a plan for the internment of Axis nationals at Shiraz under British-Iranian control and at Meshed under Russian-Iranian control. The British Minister has telegraphed this proposal to London at the risk of further reprimand.

DREYFUS

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740.0011 European War 1939/14815: Telegram

The Ambassador in Turkey to the Secretary of State

Ankara, September 8, 1941 — 6 p.m.
[Received 7:30 p.m.]

331.

Iranian Ambassador just called to say he had 3 days ago received from his Government, but had on account of illness been unable sooner to carry out, instructions to bring to my attention disappointment of his Government at the apparent tacit acquiescence of our Government in the Anglo-Russian action in Iran which was so clearly contrary to the principles enunciated by the President and to express the hope that some assurance might be given that the United States Government would interest itself in the restoration of complete independence and integrity of Iran. I informed him of the falsity of the reports, that first our Government had given its approval to the action in question and, second, I had myself indicated such approval to the Turkish Foreign Office. I also acquainted him with the text of the President’s telegram of September 2 to the Shah. He expressed great relief and gratification but added that he hoped that the substance of this message which would otherwise remain in the archives might be made public in some statement or interview by either the President or yourself. I do not know why this matter was taken up with me in this way but I consented to […].

  1. Saying then that he had carried out his instructions and ventured to speak further on a purely personal basis he expressed his regret that the British had not arranged with his Government for passage of their troops through Iran. He said he was not informed as to what had taken place but that he was inclined to believe such arrangements could be made amicably if only it had been understood that the Russians were not to be brought into the situation. He said that he had complete confidence in good intentions of the British and even if (in a matter which he realized was one of life and death for them) they had felt forced to send troops into Iran, he would nevertheless have confidence in their ultimate restoration of country’s integrity if only they were unencumbered by commitments to the Soviet Government. As it is there are reports that the Russians are establishing their political commissars in the districts occupied by them and beginning subversive agitations. He hoped that the British if only in their own ultimate interests would take steps to restrain such activities on the part of their associates.

Repeated to Tehran.

MacMURRAY

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740.0011 European War 1939/14816: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union to the Secretary of State

Moscow, September 8, 1941 — 6 p.m.
[Received September 8 — 4:03 p.m.]

1645.

The Iranian Ambassador told me this afternoon that the Soviet and British Governments have now requested the surrender to them of the German agents in Iran rather than their mere expulsion and that the Iranian Government in reply is suggesting that the women and children be sent to Germany via Turkey and that the men be placed in a concentration camp in Iran under British supervision.

STEINHARDT

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U.S. Department of State (September 10, 1941)

391.1115/12: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, September 9, 1941 — 8 a.m.
[Received September 10 — 9:35 a.m.]

142.

Although communications have still not been reestablished throughout the country I have had indirect word from all places where we have citizens and believe it safe now to state that all Americans in Iran are safe.

Please inform Presbyterian Mission Board.

DREYFUS

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U.S. Department of State (September 13, 1941)

701.0091/34: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, September 13, 1941 — noon.
[Received 2:15 p.m.]

151.

The Foreign Minister has requested me to assign the Military Attaché or some other member of staff, in case the British and Russians consent to such procedure, to accompany the Axis Legations and nationals to the Turkish frontier. The present plan is to send Legations and nationals including German women and children to Turkey through the Russian-occupied zone. The Bulgarian Legation and nationals are also to be expelled, the Russian Government having withdrawn its request that they be allowed to remain. Since their departure from Tehran is planned for September 17, I should appreciate Department’s urgent instructions as to whether I may comply with the Foreign Minister’s request.

The first of Germans referred to in my No. 149 left only this morning and was limited to 72 for Ahvaz and 8 for Qazvin. The Foreign Minister told me that he attributed the delay and limited numbers to the difficulties encountered by the Iranian police in rounding up the Germans listed by the British and Russians because of lack of cooperation on the part of Germans.

DREYFUS

740.00115 European War 1939/1393: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, September 12, 1941 — 4 p.m.
[Received September 13 — 2:21 p.m.]

147 [149].

The first trainload of about 200 Germans will leave tonight for Ahvaz to be turned over to the British military authorities. Some 50 selected by the Russians by name will also leave by train for Qazvin to be delivered to the Russian military authorities. The British are threatening to deliver over to the Russians any Germans who fail to cooperate or try to escape. No decision has been reached as to when or how the Legations will leave or as to the disposition of other Axis nationals.

DREYFUS

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U.S. Department of State (September 14, 1941)

701.0091/34: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran

Washington, September 14, 1941 — noon.

90.

The Department has no objection to your assigning a member of your staff for the purpose indicated provided that such a course meets the approval of the British and Soviet authorities concerned and the Axis Legations.

HULL

740.0011 European War 1939/14807: Telegram

The Minister in Iran to the Secretary of State

Tehran, September 7, 1941 — 8 a.m.
[Received September 14 — 12:26 p.m.]

139.

I was summoned to the palace last evening by the Shah and received in special audience. While ostensible purpose in calling me was to request me to convey his thanks to the President for his friendly telegram of September 2, I feel that his more important reason was to make known to the American Government through me, his present viewpoint. He began by requesting me to transmit to the President first, his thanks for the declaration of goodwill and friendship; second, his appreciation of the President’s statement that he is following the course of events in Iran and, third, his satisfaction at the knowledge that American Government has noted the British and Russian statements that they have no designs on the territorial integrity or independence of Iran.

He then stated most clearly that he has no sympathy for the Germans with whom he has had serious difficulties on several occasions and that he is prepared to engage in a common effort to resist them. He added that the Russians and British could have obtained all they wanted in Iran by friendly negotiations. In reply to my suggestion that his statements would be of great interest to the British Government, he declared that he wanted the British to know his views and had no objection to my bringing the above to the British Minister’s attention.

I told the Shah frankly that I thought harm had been caused by the inability of foreign diplomats to obtain audience with him to which he replied that he has always been willing to receive them, a statement which is not in accordance with the facts and perhaps represents a change of attitude.

I conveyed it to the British Minister, who seemed pleased and said he will telegraph Dondoq [London?] for permission to seek audience to bring certain facts including the poverty and exploitation of the people to the Shah’s attention. If the Shah is willing to cooperate fully with the British and correct some of his more serious shortcomings which have lost him the support of both the Iranians and the British, I believe he may still be able to save his throne.

DREYFUS

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The Pittsburgh Press (September 14, 1941)

WANTED: A SHAH; APPLY TO ALLIES
…
British, Russians ‘fed up’ with Iranian leader’s delay in handing over 250 Germans and Crown Prince seems to be ‘chip off old block’
…
By William H. Stoneman

London, Sept. 13 –

Wanted:
One Shah, must be Persian, speak language, content with something less than £3 million ($12 million) of graft yearly and at least fairly popular in Iran. Applications from Crown Prince not accepted.

According to all the latest communications from Tehran, the Iranian capital, the situation in that country still leaves almost everything to be desired from the Allied viewpoint and Reza Shah Pahlavi, despite his frequent protestations of goodwill, is one of the principal causes. His son and heir is apparently not far behind him.

Yesterday, the Shah’s government gave the British and Russians new cause for complaint when they failed to produce the first consignment of 250 Germans men whom they had promised to deliver to the two Allied governments yesterday morning.

Allies make protests

Two special trains, which were to leave for Russian headquarters at Qazvin and British headquarters at Ahvaz, just north of Shahpur on the Persian Gulf, failed to depart with their unwilling passengers. An immediate protest followed and the Iranians promised to dispatch the Germans in question by last night.

The Germans in question are described as fifth columnists and do not include persons with diplomatic status. Women and children may accompany them, if they wish, or otherwise will be repatriated to Germany.

It is still not known how many German internees there are altogether; no mention is made of other Axis nationals who, it is assumed, will also be interned when and if the Iranians meet their commitments.

May oust Shah

The British show no hesitation in blaming the Shah himself, who, they point out, impoverished his country by some of the biggest-time grafting ever known, even in the East. The difficulty is nobody seems to know who might be acceptable as his successor, if and when he is ousted. It is hoped that the Iranians themselves will settle this little problem but if they don’t, somebody else will.

The Crown Prince is held directly responsible for the article appearing in the Tehran newspaper Ettela’at, which criticized the British and stated that Iran would continue to maintain diplomatic relations with the Axis. Reports indicate that he wrote the piece himself. In any case, the paper has now been suppressed and the British have announced that Iran’s relations with the Axis are at an end no matter what the Shah, or the Crown Prince, or anybody else may think.

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The Pittsburgh Press (September 16, 1941)

SHAH OF IRAN QUITS THRONE
…
Son takes over as Allies move on capital
…
By Harold Peters, United Press staff writer

Tehran, Iran, Sept. 16 –
Reza Khan Pahlavi abdicated the throne of the ancient kingdom of the Shahs in favor of his son, Crown Prince Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, 21, as British and Russian forces of occupation arrived on the outskirts of the capital and cut off all escape for Axis agents in Tehran.

The abdication was announced to a special session of parliament by the new premier, Ali Foroughi, and the abdicated Shah, accompanied by a strong bodyguard led by Mukh Stari, chief of Tehran Police, proceeded to Isfahan, 210 miles south of Tehran.

No demonstrations coincided with the abdication and two divisions of Iranian troops, including a mechanized battalion, remained in the city although Russian and British forces were taking up billets in the capital’s suburbs.

Events predicted

News of the abdication spread to the bazaars and street corner groups discussed the event. Gossips for several days had been whispering a verse predicting that the Shah would lose his crown this week. The prediction was based on Persian numerology and the letters in the Shah’s name, evaluated under Persian numerology, indicated that this was the year in which the Shah would lose his throne.

The Shah gave ill health as the reason for his abdication.

United Press Moscow dispatches reported Russian denunciation of the Shah on the grounds that he had dealt dishonestly with the Russians and the British and had caused “intolerable delay” in ousting German and Italian agents from the Tehran area.

London dispatches said that news of the Shah’s abdication caused great satisfaction in authoritative British circles. The British said that dissatisfaction with the Shah’s regime had been growing in Iran.

Some doubt was expressed in London that the Crown Prince would be able to remain on the throne. The British were discussing the idea of a regency council to rule Iran with great influence being exerted by the premier.

U.S. Department of State (September 17, 1941)

740.0011 European War 1939/15229

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State

Washington, September 17, 1941.

The British Chargé d’Affaires, Sir Ronald Campbell, came in to see me this morning at his request. He first handed me a memorandum of an oral communication, which is hereto attached, to the effect that the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs had received my suggestion that the British and Soviet Governments might very well consider emphasizing the temporary nature of the measures they have taken in Iran and their determination to restore full sovereignty and independence to that country after the war. In this confidential memorandum the British Foreign Secretary points out that while it has become necessary for the British and Soviet Governments to advance farther into Iranian territory than had been contemplated, the present projected military movements in no way run counter to the statements already made by the British and Soviet Governments regarding their intentions to respect the integrity and independence of Iran. The British Government again takes occasion to emphasize their firm intention to respect the assurances which they have given.

CORDELL HULL

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The Pittsburgh Press (September 17, 1941)

HITLER MAY TRY PINCER MOVE ON IRAN TO GRAB OIL, SEVER U.S. AID SUPPLY ROUTE
…
Allies must get better grip or lose lifeline, Simms says
…
By William Philip Simms, Scripps-Howard foreign editor

Washington, Sept. 17 –
The Anglo-Russian occupation of Tehran and the rest of Iran has been made imperative by untoward developments on the Soviet front and in the vicinity of Suez.

Reports here are the Red Army may soon be forced back to the Volga, uncovering the land bridge via the Caucasus to the Middle East.

Other information leads to the belief that a new Axis push in the direction of Suez is about to develop. Whereupon, military observers here believe, Hitler and his allies will attempt a pincer movement against the pipelines and oil fields of Syria, Iraq and Iran.

Solid hold vital

It is vital, therefore, that the Russians and British should have more than a mere token hold on Iran. If and when the crisis comes, they must be in a position to meet force with force.

Facing a serious gas and oil shortage, the Axis must capture the Caucasian and Near Eastern oil regions this winter if it possibly can. At the same time, it would sever one of Russia’s main supply lines via the Persian Gulf.

It was to head this off that British and Russian forces entered Iran on Aug. 25. It had been learned that German “tourists” were flooding the country – the same kind of “tourist” that preceded the occupations of Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium and other areas marked for Nazi conquest. When the government of Reza Shah Pahlavi refused to do anything about it, Britain and Russia acted.

After a 72-hour “war,” Iran backed down. She agreed to expel the tourists. To date, however, she has not done so. Under Allied pressure, Reza Shah abdicated yesterday, to be succeeded, it was announced, by his 21-year-old son, Prince Mohammed Reza.

Muslims dominate

Clearly, however, that was not enough. Only a few Russians are in northern Iran. A similar handful of British occupy certain other strategic points, including the oil fields and the Iranian ports. But Iran spreads over 625,000 square miles, an area as large as the whole of the United States to the east and south of Lake Michigan. And it has a population of some 16 million, mostly Muslims with military training. A pro-Nazi uprising synchronizing with pushes against the Russians along the Don and the British in the Near East might well spell disaster.

It is to parry this that the British and Russians are now moving to take full charge of Iran.

Two important missions, one American and one British, are now en route to Moscow to discuss aid to Russia. This aid will be the utmost the two countries can provide. But there are only two practicable routes over which this help can travel, one being via the Siberian port of Vladivostok, the other via the Persian Gulf. Of the two, the latter is by far the most important.

Iran is extremely difficult terrain. It is mostly plateau, ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 feet with many peaks higher still. In the central part lies a desert, 200 miles wide by 800 miles long. Transportation, therefore, is not easy, being mostly by truck over none-too-good highways.

Allies watch railway

Nevertheless, there is one railway across the country – from Bandar Shahpur, at the top of the Persian Gulf, to Bandar Shah, on the Caspian Sea.

This 900-mile railway across Iran is now perhaps the one most important single railway in the world so far as Britain and Russia are concerned. The northern part of the line was constructed by the Germans. But they were caught grafting and thrown out. The southern end was built by Americans.

Unless that railway is held by the British and Russians, the whole of the Middle East may be lost to the Axis. Even if the United States Navy saw to it that supplies crossed the Pacific and Indian Oceans and arrived at the Persian Gulf in perfect safety, they still might never reach the Soviet Union or the British in Iraq.