Coll 28/97(1) ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries.’ [‎149r] (297/807)

precedent established in the settlement of this affair is considered most
unfortunate. A translation of the Shah telegram which appeared in the press
is given below :—
I he receipt of your Excellency’s friendly telegram has given us an
opportunity of expressing once again our lively satisfaction and sincere
personal regard for your Excellency, whom we have always recognised as a
true friend of Iran and of ourselves.
“ We hasten to assure your Excellency that we feel no resentment
towards yourself. We wish at the same time to take this opportunity of
explaining the reasons which compelled us against our will to take our
recent decision.
“ Our action was not solely inspired by the publication of certain
offensive articles in the press. For several years past we have had the
impression that the French public were not fully aware of the changes which
have taken place in our country and have made no effort to understand the
new Iran.
“ These sentiments, which the French press have echoed, compelled us
to break off relations between our two countries and to postpone their
re-establishment until France should show that she is ready to appreciate
our country in its true light.
“ However, in view of the respect which we feel for your Excellency,
we are willing to let the past be forgotten and to re-establish diplomatic
relation's.
“ We expect your Excellency, whose good intentions are evident, to
devote particular attention to the establishment of these relations on a
sound basis of confidence and mutual understanding, in order that we may
be spared the repetition of such regrettable incidents in the future.”
(ii) It is rumoured that for some time past His Royal Highness the Crown
Prince has been pressing his august father to arrange matters prior to his (the
Crown Prince) journey to Egypt via Syria.
(iii) His Excellency M. Bodard, the French Minister is still seriously ill
and confined to his bed.
10. U.S.S.R. Interests.
(i) A Soviet agricultural mission of three experts has arrived in Iran to
study the question of the movement and destruction of locusts.
(ii) It is reliably reported that a Soviet aeroplane, carrying three or four
officers, escaped from U.S.S.R. territory on or about the 12th February and landed
at Khananrud (presumably meant for Khanrud—degree sheet No. 8 B, square
D 3) a village near Heriz in Azerbaijan. The occupants surrendered themselves
to the Iranian authorities and are now in custody at Tabriz.
11. Italian Interests.
The Italian naval attache states that his Government have asked the Iranian
Government for permission to nominate a military attache to the Italian Legation
in Tehran. This officer will hold the rank of colonel and will also be accredited
to Angora.
12. The Iranian Army.
(i) Troops of the 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisions and Independent
Mechanised Brigade took part in the annual review at the Jalalieh race-course
on the 22nd February.
(ii) 7,000 conscripts due for discharge in January were retained with the
colours to take part in the review.
(iii) A reliable report states that officers are to have a full dress uniform.
The coat will be khaki with gold shoulder straps and rank insignia in gold braid
on the sleeves. High collar with tabs showing arm of the service. Trousers
(slacks) will be of plain khaki of the same material as the coat.
(iv) His Majesty’s Consul at Ahwaz reports having heard Sarlashgar
(Major-General) Muini inform a senior Iranian civil official that the Shah had
approved in principle the 6th Khuzistan) Division being increased to four mixed
[555 u—1] b 2