Coll 28/97 ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries’ [‎16v] (32/749)

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of Government control. There also the previous shortage has given way to an
abundance of bread, though the price has nearly doubled.
6. There is much public anxiety regarding the food supplies of the country,
which is being aggravated by all those hostile to the Allies and the Government.
The Allies are accused of exporting large quantities of food-stuffs without
consideration of the needs of the Persian people. Food riots have occurred in
Resht. where Russian troops had to intervene to restore order. Over 100 arrests
are reported to have been made. Riots may break out in other towns, and they
will easily be turned into anti-Ally demonstrations.
Pro-Axis Propaganda.
7. German agents and sympathisers are very active. The situation in
Egypt and in Russia gives them ample opportunity for rousing anxiety in all
those who have in any way supported the Allies. There is naturally a reluctance
to take action that is openly anti-German.
A ppointments — Civil.
8. Muhammad Agha Diwanbegi (M.A. 79; F.O. 64) to be Ustandar of
Khuzistan.
Internal Security.
Kurdistan.
9. The Persian Government showed some resentment at the migration from
Iraq to Persia of some families of the Jaf tribe. This migration used to occur
regularly and with little restriction before the days of Reza Shah. He for a time
endeavoured to prevent it, but in latter years had allowed it subject to certain
restrictions; arms had to be left at the frontier and a grazing tax paid. This
year, in the absence of any effective Persian Administration, the Jaf crossed the
frontier without permission, and with their arms. The Persian Government
addressed a note to the Iraqi Government threatening reprisals against the Jaf,
but it is unlikely that they will take any punitive action against the Jaf as long
as the latter behave.
10. Hama Rashid still remains near the Iraqi frontier. Iraqi Government
pressure, if any has been applied, has as yet failed to induce him to withdraw
into Iraq.
Khorassan.
11. Baluch raiders held up three East Persia auxiliary transport lorries
some 50 miles south of Meshed. Two of these lorries managed to escape, even
though one of the drivers was severely wounded. The third lorry failed to escape
and the driver was stripped and robbed of all he had. All the drivers were
Indians.
General.
12. Main roads are moderately safe. There are no serious disturbances, but
many minor robberies.
British Interests.
13. His Majesty’s
on the 13th July.
Minister returned to Tehran from the United Kingdom
American Interests.
14. It is reported in the press that the American Government has presented
to the Persian Government the name of an adviser for the reorganisation of the
Persian police.
Czechoslovak Interests.
15. General Ingr (see Summary No. 26/4:2, paragraph 18) has returned
from Russia and will leave for Cairo and London on the 15th July.
Polish Interests.
16. His Excellency M. J. Karszo-Siedlewski, Polish Minister in Tehran
since February 1939 (also accredited to Iraq and Afghanistan), is leaving shortly
to take up the appointment of Polish Minister in Beirut. The present
incumbent of that post is relieving M. Karszo-Siedlewski in Tehran.
Tehran, July 14, 1942.
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