Coll 28/39(2) ‘Persia. Printed Correspondence, 1937–’ [‎100v] (200/320)

it was his wish that his daughters should in future see more of the young people
of the diplomatic corps, and it is possible that social relations between the
palace and the Legations, at present non-existent, may be encouraged to some
extent. But I doubt whether any change in the general system is intended.
I happened to meet at the races, two days after the Royal party, a Persian
friend who for the last year had not been allowed to “ frequent foreigners ”,
except in the Jockey Club stand, where the rules are slightly relaxed, though
under the eye of the Chief of Police. This friend told me that he felt it would
still be better for him to accept no invitations. This feeling is widespread,
and is baded on very solid grounds.
( 75 )
[Enclosure in weekly letter No. 44, dated 3rd November 1938, from Secre
tary, Political and Secret Department, India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. .]
[E 5823/281/34]
PERSIA. October 6 , 1938.
Letter from His Majesty’s Minister, Tehran, to Foreign Office,
London, No. 308, dated the 8th September 1938.
The Iranian Prime Minister, in the course of a conversation which I had
with his Excellency yesterday, referred to the visit of the Minister for Foreign
Affairs to Geneva (which was only decided upon at the last moment), and said
that one of the objects of M. A’lam’s visit would be to get into direct touch
with M. Litvinov, relations between the Soviet and Iranian Governments
having recently, as I have already reported, been somewhat difficult.
2. His Excellency said that the Soviet Government appeared to have
persuaded themselves that the Iranian Government—who desired nothing but
good for everyone—had been lending themselves to “ machinations ” against
Soviet interests. Thus the Russians regarded the German civil air service,
via Iran, which at present terminates at Kabul, as part of a German-Japanese
plan to reduce Soviet influence in Asia. The Russians also seemed to be per
suading themselves that the improvements to the port of Pahlavi which are
being carried out by German engineers, may affect the position in the Cas
pian, and they had made the demonstration reported in my telegram No.
97 [S. No. (71)] of the 23rd August. There were also, M. Jam said, a number of
boundary questions outstanding, and no progress was being made towards
their settlement.
3. It is, of course, obvious that the attitude of the Soviet Government in
these matters arises from their hostility to the German commercial penetration
of Iran. They are likely to go on teasing the Iranians as long as Iran’s com
mercial dependence on Germany continues to increase. As the Russian
market is essential to Iran, the Soviet Government are in a strong position,
and, while I do not wish to belittle M. A’lam’s powers of persuasion, it may be
doubted whether he will find a very responsive listener in M. Litvinov.
4. I am sending a copy of this despatch to His Majesty’s Charge d’Affaires
at Bagdad,
( 76 )
[Received on 26th November 1938 with Political Secretary's letter No. 45, dated
10th November 1938.)
[Enclosure in weekly letter No. 45, dated 10 th November 1938, from Secre
tary, Political and Secret Department, India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. .]
Telegram from Mr. Seymour (Tehran), No. 124, dated the 29th October
1938.
Soviet-Iran frontier has apparently been closed until about November
10th. Soviet authorities will not admit this but refuse to grant visas for
journey through Russia before November 10 th.
2 . Various travellers who were due to start now and had valid visas have
been told that visas had to be cancelled though they could be given visas after
November.lOth. I have no information as to the reason for these restrictions.