891.00/11–1945
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Middle Eastern Affairs (Minor)
| Participants: | Mr. Hussein Ala, [Appointed] Iranian Ambassador |
| Dr. Daftary, Counselor, Iranian Embassy | |
| Mr. Henderson | |
| Mr. Allen | |
| Mr. Minor |
The new Iranian Ambassador to the United States called today after having paid his first visit to the Secretary. Mr. Ala expressed his deep concern over the turn of events in Iran, where the morning press had indicated that a large-scale rebellion had taken place. The Ambassador expressed himself as shocked at the scale of the reported rebellion, even though his Government had long anticipated that something of this kind might take place. He said that it was to avoid this very kind of happening that the Iranians had been so insistent upon the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iran before March 2. He asked the support of the State Department in bringing about withdrawal of these forces at once.
Mr. Henderson inquired whether the Russians might be using the Kurds in northern Iran for political purposes in connection with some kind of move for autonomy or independence. The Ambassador said that the Russians were undoubtedly using the Kurds, as well as the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan.
In reply to a question from Mr. Allen, the Ambassador said that he thinks the Iranian Government is capable of handling the security situation in northern Iran and elsewhere in the country if all foreign troops were to withdraw. He insisted strongly that the people of Azerbaijan are loyal Iranians. He denied the allegations made by the Russians that the people of this province desire autonomy or independence. He stated that some of Iran’s leading patriots come from this province, which is known as the cradle of democracy in Iran. He made it clear that his Government believes that the movement is artificially stimulated by the Russians.
In closing the conversation, the Ambassador stated that Iran is anxious to obtain one of the temporary seats on the Security Council of the United Nations Organization. He expressed the belief that Iran is entitled to such a seat because of the part it played in the war and because of its strategic location in the Middle East. He asked the support of the State Department in obtaining such a seat.