891.00/6–146
Memorandum of Conversation, Prepared in the Office of the Secretary of State
The Iranian Ambassador called at his request to see the Secretary. He told the Secretary he appreciated very much an opportunity at this busy time to see him to tell him about the troubles in Iran.
The Ambassador said that since he had last talked with the Secretary on April 4 they had gone through many vicissitudes in the Iranian case. He had reported the true facts to the Security Council. On May 6 he reported that in the provinces of Iran where they had representatives evacuation had taken place, but in Azerbaijan where the Iranian Government had no representatives it is difficult to give an opinion as to what is happening. Later, he said, he reported that his Government had sent a Commission of inquiry and at the same time he drew attention to the fact that it is hard for Iran to exercise any authority in this province in view of outside interference. He said the situation in Azerbaijan is deteriorating very fast, where there is a puppet government supported by the Russians. It is being made [Page 492] into practically an independent state. The Army is equipped and supplied by Russia. Qavam is under extreme pressure to do what the Russians want, even to the point of having to dismiss certain members of his cabinet. He said Qavam has not contradicted what he has reported to the Security Council but he has asked him not to make any further reports to the Council.
The Ambassador said US assistance is very necessary in the Security Council to prevent the Iranian case being dropped from the agenda. He said if the situation in Iran is allowed to continue he fears for the security not only of Iran but of Turkey, Iraq and other nearby countries. The Ambassador made a strong appeal for the US to come to the aid of Iran.
The Secretary asked what the Shah is doing about Qavam.
He said the Shah sees him and advises him, but Qavam does things without consulting the Shah. Qavam even dismissed and arrested the Chief of Staff57 who was serving his country. Qavam took this action which he knew was contrary to the Shah’s wishes.
The Secretary inquired if there is any explanation of Qavam’s action; is he under such influence by the Russians that he must meet all their demands?
The Ambassador said he had not given up hope that Qavam is really trying to do what he thinks best and that he will be loyal to his people. He said he had urged Qavam to resist the demands of the Russians, and then if their country is overrun by the Soviets, the United Nations will take action and justice will rule. He said Iran cannot send troops to Azerbaijan because they would clash with the people there who are under Soviet influence and there would be bloodshed and the Russians would then have an excuse to come back into Iran.
The Secretary inquired what would be the difference in having the Soviet troops return in the open and take over the country and having them take it over in the manner the Ambassador had described. If it is done in the open the Security Council could investigate the reasons, but to investigate removal of an individual from the Iranian cabinet would be difficult.
The Ambassador said certainly it would be better to have them do it in the open. He pointed out that Qavam does not say that he is satisfied with the situation in Azerbaijan; he simply says nothing about it because he cannot truthfully report that he is satisfied.
The Secretary said the problem was a hard one to get at, if Qavam is allowing outside pressure to force him to make changes in the cabinet and say nothing about matters that should be reported, and acting [Page 493] contrary to the wishes of the Shah. He said if Qavam would stand up for what is the best interest of the Iranian people it would be easier to handle.
The Ambassador said the Shah may have to make a decision, but if he dismissed Qavam he fears that Qavam would rally a large following and bring on civil war, which would cause the Russians to come back with their troops.
The Secretary said he would look into the matter with the people in the Department directly concerned.
The Secretary praised the Ambassador for his courage in this difficult situation.