Ext 5001/41 'PERSIA – INTERNAL (Miscellaneous despatches).' [‎42r] (83/248)

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Aid to Russia,
11. The month of July beat all records for tonnage delivered to the Union
of Soviet Socialist Republics. August and September were also very heavy
months, and in all cases the target plan figures for transport by rail and truck
were exceeded.
In July the United Kingdom Commercial Corporation commenced to hand
over its Lend-Lease trucks to United States Motor Transport Service and the
balance of these Lend-Lease trucks were handed over in the latter half of August,
leaving only the Persian contractors’ vehicles, about 400, which are clearing up
the small balance of Aid-to-Russia cargo left over at the end of September. The
United Kingdom Commercial Corporation have therefore ceased to lift Lnion of
Soviet Socialist Republics’ cargo and are awaiting final instructions from London
to close down their truck operations both in Western and in Eastern Persia.
Owing to the small number of ships with Aid-to-Russia cargo arriving at
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ports in October'Basra will not discharge any of these ships and
the British Army Vehicle Assembly Plant at Rafidiyah will cease to assemble
imported vehicles for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
The total target for Union of Soviet Socialist Republics’ cargo in October
is considerably lower than for preceding months. This is no doubt due to the
convoys by the northern route having started again under cover of the longer
nights.
Polish Affairs.
12. United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration took over
the handling of the Polish evacuees from Middle East Relief and Refugee
Administration during the period under review.
At the opening of the period there were about 6,800 Poles in Persia
altogether. Early in July nearly 1,200 left for India and East Africa. About
100, mostly young girls, nave left to join the Polish army. The total number
at present in Persia is 5,440, of whom about 2,400 are in the Tehran area (800
being in the camp, the remainder in the town), 1,000 at Ahwaz, and just under
2,000 at the school at Isfahan. Some five months ago the New Zealand Govern
ment extended an invitation through the Polish Government for 700 children
to come to New Zealand. After protracted discussion and a good deal of
confusion and delay, this offer was accepted and 700 children escorted by 140
grown-ups left for New Zealand on the 2nd October.
Mr. Haluch, the delegate of the Ministry of Social Welfare, who was in
charge of the refugees, was relieved of his duties with effect from the
1st September. His successor is a M. Pokladski, who is easy to deal with and not
inefficient. The change has had a beneficial effect on the relations of the
delegature with the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration
and with the Polish community.
Indian Affairs.
13. The considerable interest in India aroused by the visit of the Persian
Cultural Mission has been maintained and steps have been taken to place cultural
relations between the two countries on a firmer basis by the creation of a Standing
Committee in Tehran, which will have its counterpart in India and which will
concern itself with the advancement of cultural relations of every kind between
Persia and India. An offer by the Government of India of a series of scholarships
for technical education of Persian students has been accepted by the Persian
Government, and the grant of further scholarships for training in agriculture
is under consideration. Arrangements have been completed for the deputation
of four Indian teachers of English to organise classes in Meshed, Kerman and
Yezd and the teachers are on their w T ay to take up their appointments. The
demand for facilities for learning English is widespread, and the appointment
of these Indian teachers should assist materially in an important activity which
is primarily the concern of the British Council, but which, through lack of staff,
they are unable to pursue adequately.
14. India’s interest in the expansion of her post-war export trade is
evidenced by the establishment of a Trade Commissioner in Tehran. The first
Indian Trade Commissioner is expected to take up his duties in about two
months’ time.