خارجي ٤١/٥٠٠٠(٢) "بلاد فارس: الوضع قبيل احتلال الحلفاء، وما بعده" [و‎‎٢‎٥‎٠] (٦٠٦/٤٩٩)

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PROM: IRAN (PTRSIa).
FROM TEHRAN TC FOREIGN OFFICE.
Sir R. Bullard,
No. 454 (PART III)
22nd July 1941
D. 9.30 p.m.
R. -12.20 p.m.
22nd July 1941
23rd July 1941
MOST BMEDIATE.
In view of representations which we have already
made, you will presumably wish me to say that apart from
question of ships which it is plainly duty of Iranian
(Persian) Government to immobilize, slight gradual reduction
in number of Germans proposed by Prime Minister cannot
nave any serious effect during danger period and that unless
Iranian Government guarantee Ihat a large proportion will
leave Iran < very spon His Majesty’s Government will be obliged
to re-examine their policy m regard to Iran. Any economic
\ pressure we may apply will naturally be exploited by the
Germans, who will tell the country v/ith some truth that they
have always^promoted trade between the two countries whereas
His Majesty s Government have done nothing but mate and break
v/ i^i ^ xP ^ ? IIl:LSe ? , we are 30 unpopular in Iran in any case
Xjthat that need not matter to us. British invasion of Iran,
hpweyer, would be difficult to justify even given German
iiith column activities in other countries and I therefore
hope that all other measures including publicity will be
tried first. /
7* It seems to me that economic pressure must
conilict with our policy of encouraging transit trade with
I Russia unless that pressure is successful and removed before
rolling stock for improving transit is ready and Russia
' continues to keep Germans far awayifrco Caucasus.
&3£
INDIA OFFICE