891.00/9–2846: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Allen) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 29—12:27 a.m.]
1289. There are some additional indications that British are envisioning possible severance of Azerbaijan from Iran as an alternative to continuance of present situation, which they fear will result in incorporation of larger part of country into Soviet sphere. Idea seems to be that it would be preferable to cut off rotten part of apple rather than let it infect remainder. British Ambassador referred in conversation yesterday to what he feels is prime necessity for establishment of definite frontier between USSR and Iran. He feels that continued effort of Tehran Government to regard Azerbaijan as part of Iran is contrary to realities and results in mushy condition in which there is no clear-cut frontier and Soviets can continue to infiltrate into Tehran and exert pressure southward. Apparently his idea is that if Tehran Government would definitely break with Tabriz Government and establish strong military forces along Iran–Azerbaijan border, Tehran might then be better able to resist Soviet-inspired demands in rest of the country, such as inclusion of Tudeh in Cabinet and other conciliatory measures Tehran Government has been continually making in effort to keep Azerbaijan as part of nation.
[Page 518]British official policy undoubtedly continues to support a united Iran, including Azerbaijan, if this can be realized, and British Ambassador’s inclination to look with certain complacency on loss of Azerbaijan may not reflect London thinking. However, overriding British consideration is to keep their oil concession, and all Britishers view Iran through that perspective.
I am inclined to believe that severance of Azerbaijan would not in fact relieve Soviet pressure on rest of country and might well place USSR merely in stronger position to realize other aims. Nor am I ready to admit that Azerbaijan has been irreparably lost, even though its recovery seems remote at the moment. Moreover, while I realize that present national boundaries of Iran, which result from historical accident or ancient conquests, are not sacred and that Azerbaijans may be closer in language and feelings to Turks in Turkey and USSR than to Iran, it seems to me we have no alternative but to continue to support integrity of Iran in accordance with Declaration Regarding Iran and United Nations Charter.
Sent Department 1289 repeated London 154 and Moscow 274.