Coll 28/97(1) ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries.’ [‎100v] (200/807)

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4. Afghan Interests.
The military attache, Kabul, reports an increase in anti-British propaganda,
culminating in the publication of a scurrilous newspaper article in the official
Islah of Kabul.
Apparently the Afghan Government hope to direct the attention of thej
rebellious tribes in the Southern Province and Katawaz towards the British, and
to rid themselves of the accusation that their policy is pro-British.
The article in question, said to have been drafted by the Foreign Minister
himself, has been read with interest by the general public, and has also been the
main topic of conversation among members of the Diplomatic Corps. It is said
that the Iranian Embassy were very interested in the article and obtained a great
deal of satisfaction from its publication, as did also the German Legation. The
Russians, however, fear that any decrease of British influence in Afghanistan
will result in a corresponding increase of German influence in that country.
From a German source in Tehran it is stated that Italian propaganda is the
cause of most of the anti-British and anti-Government feeling there. This
German source goes on to say that the Italians desire to turn out the present
ruling family of Afghanistan and set up one of ex-King Amanullah’s family
instead, with a view to causing trouble on the North-West Frontier Region of British India bordering Afghanistan. in the event
of war, &c.
5. The Iranian Army.
(i) It is reported from reliable sources that the 50 (Brandt) 81-millim. mortars
and a quantity of mortar ammunition have been delivered in Tehran. An order
for thirty more (Brandt) mortars has been placed.
A course of instruction in their use is being organised.
(ii) Extracts from amendments to the Law of Promotion in the Iranian
Army are attached as an appendix( J ) to this summary.
6 . The Iranian Air Force..
(i) Parachutes used by the Iranian air force are of Italian manufacture
(Salvatora). They are attached to the fuselage and open up themselves when
the pilot jumps. If this fails to function the airman can himself pull the usual
cord in front of his waist. Each pilot has his own parachute. A special staff
trained in Italy open up, overhaul and repack all parachutes every ten days. No
parachute jumping is practised.
(ii) Indoor instruction in aerial bombing is given to all pilots on an
electrically-controlled and revolving miniature relief landscape. It is said to be
of British manufacture. Aerial photography is also taught indoors.
(iii) It is reported from a reliable source that the aerial cameras used by
the Iranian air force are of British manufacture (Eagle III?). The Williams
camera gun is used for instruction in aerial gunnery.
7. Refugees.
Reference Intelligence Summary No. 16 (current), paragraph 8 . During the
period under review approximately 9,000 more deported Iranian subjects arrived
at Astara and Bandar Pahlavi. This now makes the total number of deportees
just over 18,000.
(ii) A National Relief Fund has been opened, and all firms and private
individuals are being pressed to subscribe. His Imperial Majesty the Shah has
himself donated 50,000 rials (£625) and His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince
10,000 rials (£125).
Nothing is published in the press about these deportations, except the bare
news of fresh arrivals.
8 . Irano-Turkish Frontier.
Reference Intelligence Summary No. 15 (current), paragraph 8 . The mixed
commission has now adjourned and the Iranian members thereof have returned
to Tehran from Trebizond.
9. The Anglo-Iranian Oil Company.
(i) Oil in.good and promising quantities has been discovered at Lali, north
east of Shushtar and 5 miles from the Karun River (degree sheet 9 H,
M.N. 555993).
(*) Not printed.