Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

DEPARTMENT OF STATE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY be Pee. WASHINGTON March 12, 1946 IOR S SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS 051- TRAN Stalin and Molotov, according to Iranian Prime Minister Qavam, said that Soviet "interests" require that Russian troops remain in Iran. In reporting his conversation in Moscow, Qavam told Ambassador Murray that Stalin said "Soviet honor" was involved in the Iranian question. Qavam quoted Stalin and Molotov as saying: "We do not care what the US and Britain think and we are not afraid of them". Ambassador Murray believes this statement may have been prompted by an effort on Qavam's part to advance the US and UK attitude as the reason for his inability to comply with Soviet wishes. Qavam did not definitely say he would ask immediate further consideration of the question by the Security Council. However, he did say Iran had not and would not withdraw its petition from the Security Council. Ambassador Murray explained to both Qavam and to Shar ou intended action in the Security Council and emphasized that it would be utter folly for Iran to weaken at this stage. Qavam told Murray that when he went through Baku the city was surrounded by anti-aircraft guns. His Consul there told him this was the result of an order for general mobilization in the Soviet Union. 0st CHINA Progress toward the settlement of internal political and military problems in China has been retarded by uncertainty as to the USSR's ultimate intentions in Northeast China and by increasing suspicion with regard to Chinese Communist acti- vity in Manchuria. 051- . ITALY Military authorities in Italy are currently discussing civil affairs arrangements there after the reduction of by AFHQ. Certain of the proposals are based on the assumption that AC would continue in Rome in its present form during the remainder of the Armistice regime. 051 POLAND The Polish Foreign Minister has strongly protested the arrest and confinement by US troops of members of the Polish military mission in Berlin. Ambassador Lane took the opportunity to review the cases of US citizens held incommunicado DECLASSIFIED by the Polish E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 State Dept. Guideline, June 12, 1979 By NLT- He NARS, Dute 11-10 to