مجموعة ١١١/٢٨ "بلاد فارس. كرمانشاه - يوميّات سياسية." [ظ‎‎٩] (٧٥١/١٩)

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6. Propaganda.
The maiority of the population continues to show clearly its pro-German
leanings; this is evident from the fact that pro-German and anti-British rumours
are constantly heard here, having obviously been put into circulation by JNazi-
minded Persians. The wheat riot at Hamadan on the 19th November was another
outward and visible sign of the anti-British sentiments which are telt by so mar!f v
Persians in this district. The recent big rise in the cost of living m l ersia and the'
1 economic difficulties which have arisen since the entry of Anglo-Russian forces
into Persia have done more than anything else to stimulate tae bitter anti-Britis i
I feeling which is becoming so general here. The possibility that German agents
may be sending propaganda instructions to their Persian sympathisers xrom
Turkey, through the uncontrolled areas south of Lake Urumiah, should not be
excluded. It is certain, however, that pro-German propaganda is being inspired
by unfriendly Persians, who are secretly receiving instructions for the conduct
of a whispering campaign from pro-German circles in r l ehran.
Our efforts to counter this anti-British feeling have, so far, been quite
inadequate. Some energetic form of British propaganda is urgently necessary
here if public opinion cannot be influenced by immediate, resounding British
military successes, or by British efforts to improve the food position in I ersia
or by British intervention in the administrative affairs of Persia resulting in an
improvement of the country’s corrupt and inefficient administration.
Radio broadcasts (in Persian) from London and Delhi are at present quite
inadequate, and the time devoted to news and music for Persian listeners should
be increased three- or four-fold. A midday broadcast is urgently needed, for
the advent of very cold weather is reducing the number of listeners to the evening
open-air news broadcasts. On the other hand, crowds are likely to collect in the
streets to hear the news between noon and 2 p.m., when the cold is not so severe.
It is hoped to obtain, verv soon, supplies of cinematograph equipment and
films for use in this district. ' It should be possible to influence public opinion
to some extent if suitable films in ample quantities can be made available; the
need for carrying on cinematographic propaganda here is urgent and greater
than ever.
To impress upon the local population that Britain’s position is rapidly
improving, and that ultimate victory is certain, we must be prepared to spend
upon propaganda and entertaining far more than we have done hitherto. Our
efforts here to impress or influence the Persian population are being hampered
by iack of funds, or, if money is available, little of it has been spent here.
Strange as it may be thought, I am convinced that the appearance in Persia of
a good touring circus would do far more to arouse enthusiasm among the whole
population and engender friendly feeling towards Britain than hundreds of tons
of propaganda pamphlets or months of talks upon the radio.
There is one way in which more friendly feeling can be engendered here, and
that is to assist the Persian Government in providing work for its unemployed
during the winter months. As the main roads in this district are in urgent need
of repair and work for many thousands of men could be provided if road repairs
were carried out, it is to be hoped that the need for helping the unemployed—
who constitute an element of the population which anti-British agitators can very
easily influence—will be urged upon Persian Ministers, to the mutual advantage
of both Governments.
7. Aid to Russia, via Persia.
With reference to paragraph 19 of diary for October, attention must again
be drawn to the fact that many scores of lorries have been lying idle at Khaniqin,
incurring heavy demurrage charges while awaiting loads from Basra for con
veyance to North Persia en route to Russia. The war material which has passed
through Khaniqin and Kermanshah en route to Russia has so far been almost
negligible, and there seems to have been a serious hitch somewhere in the supply
arrangements.
J. R. VAUGHAN-RUSSELL.
Kermanshah, December 1, 1941.