Coll 28/97(1) ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries.’ [‎239r] (477/807)

11. German Interests.
(i) Two of the local cinemas now regularly exhibit U.F.A. newsreel films
with running commentary in Persian.
(ii) Recently in the Maidan-i-Sepah, in the centre of Tehran, the crowd
listening to the loud-speaker affixed to the Iranian telegraphs building clapped
and cheered on hearing news of the continued German successes in the Low
Countries. The police intervened and over forty persons were arrested. They
were released after a few hours' detention. It is stated on good authority that
German agents paid 5 rials each to many of those listening to take part in this
demonstration. The loud-speakers are now only switched on for music and local i
news in Persian.
(iii) Certain German agents are endeavouring to spread propaganda amongst
the British Indian community in Tehran. The majority of British Indians in
fhe capital are engaged in the selling of motor-car spare parts, tyres, tea, &c.
They are for the most part Khatri Sikhs from the Chakwal Tehsil of Jhelum
District and are strong sympathisers with the Indian National Congress.
(iv) Consular reports from South Iran indicate unusual and suspicious
activities on board the five German Hansa Line steamers now lying at Bandar
Shahpur, especially on board the steamships Hohenfels and Weissenfels. The
wireless sets of these two ships, which had been sealed up by the Iranian naval
authorities, have been recently used.
The Iranian naval authorities have now resealed the transmitters, but took
no other action, not even reporting this gross breach of neutrality to Tehran.
Thirty to forty heavy cases were recently transferred from an Italian steamer
unloading at Bandar Shahpur to the steamship Weissenfels. The contents are
unknown, but may have been stores for the crews.
It is considered quite possible that one or two of these ships may slip out
to sea and attempt to scuttle themselves in the “ Rooka ” channel of the Shatt-
el-Arab, which is only a short distance away, or may land armed parties in the
oil area.
Strong representations have been made by His Majesty’s Minister to the
Imperial Government about the possible danger to the oil-fields, and regarding
the risk if a sudden attempt to upset the Government by concerted efforts of
Germans on lines similar to those adopted in other countries. This warning has
reached the Shah, but so far he seems to be unwilling to take any effective
counter-measures. The situation is complicated by reliable reports that the
police, as a result of bribery, are favourable to German interests.
(v) The number of German seamen now on board the five Hansa Line steamers
is estimated at between forty-five and fifty. A rest-house has been rented for
them for the summer in Tehran, and the first leave party is expected shortly.
12 . Communications.
Route V, section (B). Shiraz to Isfahan via Abadeh, mile 213. Pul-i-Khan.
A new stone bridge is being constructed on the River Kur (Bande Amir)
further downstream. This bridge will be 60 metres long, with one arch of
35 metres. The old Pul-i-Khan Bridge is now incapable of carrying the heavy
motor traffic between Shiraz and the sugar factory An East India Company trading post. at Marv Dasht (mile 214).
H. J. UNDERWOOD, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Military Attache.
Tehran, June 1, 1940.