891.24/224: Telegram
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 5—11:52 a.m.]
251. Reference my 237, July 17 and Department’s 191, July 25. Wheat situation continues serious. Legation view is that “unless wheat situation is taken seriously in hand, famine with all its accompanying difficulties may soon become a reality”. I agree with this view. Minor food riots in provincial towns continue and cavalry has been parading in Tehran to forestall riots here.
I met with British and Soviet envoys today to discuss situation. It was decided for each of us to approach Qavam, the new Prime Minister, (my 250, August 5 as to Qavam’s status and attitude) to urge that transport board, mentioned in my 242, July 27, be set up without delay and that most energetic steps be taken by Iran Government to obtain control of wheat now being harvested. Qavam, it is reported, intends to set up Ministry of Food and Supply in his Cabinet.