Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Near East and Africa, Volume VII

891.00/12–146: Telegram

The Ambassador in Iran (Allen) to the Secretary of State

secret
most immediate

Tehran, December 1, 1946—5 p.m.
[Received December 2—4:02 a.m.]

1540. 1. British Ambassador has just shown me telegram from Bevin stating that he had discussed matter with you in New York²⁴ and that you were inclined to believe Iran Govt was justified in informing Secretary General of Soviet Ambassador’s representations regarding sending troops to Azerbaijan. Bevin seems reluctant to have matter come before Council. He suggests that Qavam might ask Soviet Ambassador for Soviet views in writing, which could be answered by Iranians and both notes made public by Iran Govt here. Difficulty with this suggestion seems to me to be: (1) Soviet Govt would undoubtedly suspect that written statement was desired for publication and would refuse to give it, and (2) Iranian Govt would be much discouraged by our coolness towards its desire to bring matter to Council.

Bevin requested more specific information regarding representations made to Qavam by Soviet Ambassador. According to Qavam, they consisted simply of oral statement, under instructions from Moscow, that sending of Iran troops into Azerbaijan would create difficulties “in Azerbaijan and on Soviet-Iran frontier”. I fully realize that Soviets would probably try to depict these representations as mere statement of fact, given to Iran in nature of friendly advice, Bevin is understandably reluctant, just as we are, to encourage Iranians to present new case unless it is a strong one. However, oral; “advice” from Soviet Union, which country like US or Britain could follow or ignore as we chose, becomes an imperative matter for Iran which Qavam cannot ignore. He must either accept it, thereby acknowledging that Soviets can prevent him from sending troops into Iranian province, or he can refuse it, in which case he needs world support.

At time this telegram is sent Embassy has received no reply to our 1536 November 29.

Allen

24. Mr. Byrnes and Mr. Bevin were attending the Third Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, which met in New York City from November 4 to December 11, 1946.