Coll 28/97(1) ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries.’ [‎372r] (743/807)

3
H.39.J) had been attacked and disarmed has been confirmed. The Boir Ahmadi
have also been robbing in South-Eastern Khuzestan. There are reliable reports
that they have been in communication with Xasir Khan, although the distance
between them is great and they have not usually collaborated with the Qashgai.
^^^ircumstantial report has also been received that certain German agents,
a®>mpanied by one of the Boir Ahmadi chiefs who was under detention in
Tehran, left Tehran recently with rifles, ammunition and money for the Boir / jr„ i,,,/•> **4
Ahmadi. This report has been confirmed except as regards the German agents) ^
.tion of tho arms
and the destination of the arms, &c.
Bakhtiari.
fa*
10. In Bakhtiari there are unusual movements, sigjis of restlessness and
many rumours of impending trouble, but there is not yet sufficient evidence to
allow of an appreciation of probabilities. It is not impossible that the rumours
are put about and the signs of restlessness created by the khans themselves, some
of whom are endeavouring to persuade the Government that the situation in
Bakhtiari requires the restoration of the khans to their old position of authority,
and all of whom are agitating for the return of their lands.
11. For a report regarding the possibilities of combined action by tribal
leaders, see Summary No. 8/42, paragraph 6.
British Interests.
12. There has been a noticeable increase in anti-British and pro-Axis
propaganda since the fall of Singapore and Rangoon, these defeats having greatly
encouraged Axis sympathisers. The propaganda is mainly verbal; wherever i’t
originates, it is spread by ordinary bazaar gossip.
13. Sir A. Clark Kerr, British Ambassador-Designate to Russia, left
Tehran by air for Kuibyshev on the 13th March.
14. The railway line from Ahwaz to Khorramshahr has now reached Mile 34.
Russian Interests. ^
15. The first convoy of goods for Russia by the Nokkundi-Meshed road ^ !no ^ ’
reached Meshed on the 2nd March.
16. Over 800 American lorries have been delivered to the Russians in Tehran.
Italian Interests.
17. The Swiss Legation has taken charge of Italian interests from the
Japanese Legation.
Chinese Interests.
18. The Chinese Minister to Turkey is expected to reach Tehran shortly
to establish diplomatic and commercial relations between Persia and China.
Dutch Interests.
19. Baron von Aerssen Beyeren, Dutch Minister in Tehran, has left Persia
to take up a similar appointment in Australia. M. Brauw, recently Dutch Consul at cA. A
in India, is now charge d'affaires.
Tehran, March 17, 1942.