Page 143 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947

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a small.number of posters appeared on the valla of buildings In
Kerman bazaor, hand-written and decorated with the Nazi flag
(intended for Nazi Day 1st May), calling on Iranians to revolt
against foreigners.
•
Kormani hatred (or fear) of the Russians was not reduced by
the Tripartite pact, but on the contrary was increased by the
stories mostly exaggerated of Russian behaviour in the territory
occupied by them. It was said that the Russians were interfering
in local affairs, ignoring the local administration, and that
Bolshevism was being encouraged.

In Great Britain the majority have full confidence and nothing
would please the ordinary people better than that the British should
take over the administration. They know that the fooa shortage is
largely caused by inefficiency and corruption among the officials.
They argue that the ex-Shah vas himself corrupt and taught his
officials how to extract bribes. Some of them compare Eritish rule
in India with Iranian's own Government - to the advantage of the
former.

On the other hand the upper classes still retain for the most
part a pro-German bias. Early Allied reverses, such as the fall of
Singapore, and the German victory in the Western Desert anu their
offensive in Russia, coupled with attentive listening to German
radio propaganda, increased this tendency; and up to the end of the
summer most Iranians were convinced that Germans and Japanese would
join hands in Iran. Recent Allied successes have however produced a
reaction. Oar supporters have been encouraged to come out into the
open, and most of the pro-German party is now sitting on the fence
or trying to make up lost ground with us.
Some sections of the merchant class are perhaps our most
persistent ill-wishers (with the higher ranks of the army). Their
hopes of better days for Iran, following upon the abdication of the
last Shah are gradually dying away and, as usual, the blame is put on
the British. Increased lawlessness and insecurity in the country, the
entry of Russian troops into Iran, food problems, the increased coat
of living, lack of medicines and other foreign products in the
country etc., etc., - such are the sticks they use to beat us. They
profess to want sound reforms and greater trade facilities which will
contribute to the prosperity of the country. They say it is too late
i'or the British to gain the confidence of the Iranian pec;cle by
opening a few reading rooms and other propaganda activities of this
sort. The Geivians diu that years a0o. If the ilritish wanti to v.in
the hearts of Iranian the first thing they should do fa to tackle
the economic problem of the country. In other words they are only
too ready to forget all the help we have alreacy given and they
blame us for shortages for which their own administration and war
conditions are responsible.
Two pro-German detenus were under surveillance in Kerman during
the later part of the year viz. Sarlashkar Attabai a relative of the
ruling family, and Mr. Kanak Martin from Isfahan..Owing to suspected
intrigues the former was subsequently confined to his house.
Propaganda.
Moat Iranians tune in to Berlin at 6.30 p.n. in winter and at
8.30 p.m. in summer. For some months in the summer Berlin was jammed
and the public was putting the blame on the Allies, and especially on
Tehran radio* During this period people’s attention turned to Ankara
radio as it is believed that Turkey is neutral and gives correct
news of both sides. The broadcasts from London were preferred to
those from Delhi throughout the year, and London is gradually beginn­
ing to win the influential place that Berlin held. After Tehran
the order of preference of foreign stations broadcasts in Persian
was as follows t-
1. London*
2. Berlin.
3. Ankara.
4* Delhi*
5* Mcocovr.
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