Coll 28/97 ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries’ [‎280v] (560/749)

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was made that the tribes were being supplied with arms in the interests of
imperialism. Better relations and a new treaty with Russia were advocated.
Seyyid Zia came in for much abuse, and on several successive days his supporters
organised demonstrations in his favour at the entrance of the Majlis.
5. Seyyid Zia’s party—the Iradeh i Midi—is increasing in numbers,
activity and, perhaps, prestige. It is preparing to open up branches in the towns
of the South, wherever the Tudeh has branches. Attempts are being made to
bring about a reconciliation between Seyyid Zia and the Shah, whose relations
have been embittered by the incessant criticism of the Shah and the Court in
the newspaper Rad i Imrwz, whose editor, Muzaft'ar Firuz, a Qajar prince very
hostile to the Shah on account of the murder of his father, Prince Nusrat eel
Douleh, by Reza Shah, was one of Seyyid Zia’s earliest and most ardent
supporters. Seyyid Zia is now reported to have 4 broken with Muzaffar Firuz
since he considers that the forces of resistance to Russian penetration should not
be dissipated by attacks on the Crown.
6 . Dr. Musaddiq has again been in trouble with his fellow members of the
Majlis. Not content with calling them a pack of thieves he accused them of
doing nothing for the country and hinted that the country would be better without
them. This provoked some reaction since it is known that Dr. Musaddiq is in
close contact with the Shah and that the Shah would gladly be relieved of this
troublesome Parliament.
7. A personality note on the Prime Minister, Hakimi, is attached as an
appendix to this summary.
Economic.
8 . The fall in prices that followed on the news of victory in Europe has
not been maintained. Reports of world-shortages of commodities and of discord
between Great Britain and Russia have caused prices to rise again.
9. Although the Persian financial year begins on the 22nd March the budget
for the current year has not even been prepared, much less considered, by the
Majlis. Consequently, all departments of the administration are living from
hand to mouth with a complete absence of foresight, planning or provision.
10 . The present population of Persia according to the estimate of the
Persian Government is 16,549,837, but according to estimates made by British
consular officers for their various districts the total is 12,975,600. The latter-
figure may be assumed to be nearer the correct number.
A ppointments — Civil.
11 . —(i) Hurmuz Qarib to be First Secretary at the Persian Embassy in
Turkey.
(ii) Ali Akbar Furuhandi to be Second Secretary at the Persian Lecr a tion
in Syria.
(iii) Ismail Usanlu (Mudir ud Dauleh) to be Farmandar of Meshed.
Retire ments — M Hi tary.
12. ^i) Sai tip Ghulam Ali Qadar—dismissed from the service for
corruption.
(ii) Sartip Hussein Quli Setvate.
(iii) Sarhang Ali Yazdanfar—dismissed from the service.
(iv) Sarhang Majid Ghaffari.
(v) Sarhang Ahmad Tahir Niya.
Internal Security.
Isfahan.
13. The leader of the anti-Fudeh Labour Union of Isfahan was murdered
by thugs of the Tudeh party on the 25th May. This followed on the return from
Tehran to Isfahan of the Tudeh leader, Bahrampur. He brought a large sum of
money, and his intention piesumably was to endeavour to regain the ground
recently lost by the Tudeh. He used the money to stir up Tudeh sympathisers
and ruffians of the town. There had already been a fight between the Tudeh and
their opponents on the 22 nd May. The town is now being patrolled bv Persian
troops, and the Governor-General has recommended that a Military Governor
should be appointed so that military law can be applied. The Chief of Police a
relatively efficient man, had been recalled to Tehran some time previously at the
insistence of the Russians, who objected to action he had taken against Tudeh
agitators. The acting Chief of Police is believed to be in Russian pav.