Record of a Conversation between Cde. I. V. Stalin and Prime Minister of Iran Qavam-os-Saltaneh

Top Secret

RECORD OF A CONVERSATION between Cde. I. V. STALIN and PRIME MINISTER OF IRAN QAVAM-ES-SALTANEH

4 March 1946 at 1800

Cde. Stalin receives Qavam in the presence of Cde. Molotov and Soviet Ambassador in Iran Cde. Sadchikov.

After an exchange of mutual greetings Cde. Stalin presents Qavam with his letter addressed to him with a reply to Qavam’s and the Shah’s congratulations on the occasion of the 28^th anniversary of the Red Army (see attachment).

Qavam thanks Cde. Stalin for the letter.

Cde. Stalin asks Qavam when he is flying to Tehran.

Qavam replies that he intends to fly out tomorrow.

Cde. Stalin asks, how is Qavam’s health [?]

Qavam replies that he was ill some time ago, but now he feels better.

Cde. Stalin asks Qavam, will the Soviet-Iranian communiqué about the talks which were held with him in Moscow be published after his departure [?]

Qavam  replies that, in his opinion, there is no need for such a communiqué since the questions touched upon in the talks are at the same point as [they were] on the day of his, Qavam’s, arrival in Moscow.

Cde. Molotov says that one could state in the communiqué the fact that Qavam had conversations in Moscow. Doesn’t Qavam think that this would be useful?

Qavam says this would not be bad.

Cde. Stalin says that it might be pointed out in the communiqué that Qavam had conversations with Stalin and Molotov which took place in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and if Qavam wishes, “and friendship” could be added.

Qavam says that such a communiqué would be useful, and says that it needs to be pointed out in it that the talks will be continued in Tehran.

Cde. Stalin agrees with this.

After some pause Cde. Stalin says that he would like to hold a dinner for Qavam. Such a dinner could be held tomorrow.

Qavam replies that he was informed that the aircraft is leaving at 0800. At what time can the dinner be held?

Cde. Stalin says that in such an event the departure can be delayed for a day since the aircraft which was prepared for Qavam is a Soviet aircraft.

Qavam replies that he will delay the departure and thanks Cde. Stalin for the invitation.

Cde. Stalin says that Qavam can invite whomever he wants to this dinner.

Qavam expresses gratitude.

After some pause Qavam declares that he is returning to Tehran with the intention of working there on strengthening Soviet-Iranian relations. Unfortunately, he, Qavam, was not able to achieve anything on the question of Azerbaijan and the withdrawal of troops.

Cde. Stalin says that if Qavam is a democrat, then he should understand that Iran needs reforms. A new era has arrived in Asia, a time of reforms, and if Qavam wants Iran to be strong it needs to make reforms.

Qavam nods [his] head and says that this is correct.

Cde. Stalin says that the British policy of oppressing peoples is dangerous for Britain itself. Britain will lose India if it doesn’t meet the demands of the Indian people halfway.

Qavam nods [his] head and says “Yes, yes”.

Cde. Stalin says that at one time the Czar did not want to concede anything and lost everything. It is not necessary that the Iranian people rise up and carry out these reforms themselves, the government needs to carry out the reforms. However, says Cde. Stalin, it is not necessary to teach him, Qavam.

Qavam says that what Azerbaijan wants is too much, and if reforms are carried out then reforms need to be carried out in all of Iran.

Cde. Stalin says that Azerbaijan is not demanding much, it is demanding limited autonomy. Foreign policy, an army, railroads, a mint, all this will remain in Tehran’s hands. What kind of autonomy is this!

After some pause Cde. Stalin says that tomorrow a dinner will be held in the Kremlin at 8 P. M., and in the morning a communiqué can be drafted.

Qavam agrees with this and expresses gratitude again.

Qavam states that after the report that the Soviet troops will remain in Iran, a session of the Majlis was held in Tehran and Qavam received instructions to declare a protest about this. Consequently he has drafted a letter with a protest addressed to Molotov.

Cde. Stalin says that once Qavam was instructed he had to do this.

Qavam says that is only the form.

Cde. Stalin nods [his] head.

The conversation, which lasted 18 minutes, ended with this.

Recorded [by] [signature]

(Podtserob)