Geranmayeh, MA; (1992) Iranian resistance to Soviet pressure: Irano-Soviet relations 1941-1947. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This study covers a critical period of Iranian history in the context of Soviet policy towards Iran. The major purpose of the study is to show how Iran survived the war-time Soviet occupation and maintained its independence and sovereignty in the face of a Soviet threat. The First Section, an historical background, describes the Bolshevik regime's attitude towards Iran, intervention by the Soviets in northern Iran, where they helped the rebel movement set up a revolutionary government, and the conclusion of the Soviet-Iranian Treaty of 1921. This Section also examines Soviet policy towards Iran during the rule of Reza,Shah, and the pre-occupation agreements and disagreements between Moscow and Tehran. In the Second Section, the Anglo-Russian alliance and their joint occupation of Iran are discussed. The objectives of the occupation, and the conclusion of the Tripartite Treaty of 1942, are other subjects in this Section. The Third Section examines the many aspects of Soviet interference in Iranian affairs which had alarmed both Iran and the Western Allies. This section discusses British and American plans to alleviate the Soviet pressure on Iran, including Churchill's proposal to expel Russian troops from Iran, and Roosevelt's endeavours to obtain Stalin's approval for the Declaration Regarding Iran at the Tehran Summit. The Fourth Section has been devoted to the Soviet- Iranian dispute over an oil concession, the rejection of Soviet demands, and the intensification of Soviet intimidation. 'It also shows how at Yalta and Potsdam the Russians refused to commit themselves to a time-tabled evacuation from Iran. The Fifth Section scrutinises the Soviet role in establishing separatist movements, the Red Army's role in preventing Iranian forces entering Azerbaijan, and the formation of two rebel regimes under Soviet protection in Azerbaijan and Kurdistan. The section analyses the Anglo-American objection to Soviet plans, and Iran's resort to the United Nations to expose the Soviet-backed rebellions. In addition, the impact of Soviet-Iranian disputes on United 5tates foreign policy is discussed, as are the negotiations of Prime Minister Qavam with Stalin and Molotov. In the Sixth Section the effects are analysed of Qavam's conciliatory policy, America's new initiatives, and the United Nations' debate on the Soviet decision to withdraw. Here, Qavam's tactics to pacify the Russians, negotiate with the rebel leaders and include Communists in the Coalition Cabinet are examined. Finally, the Seventh Section focuses on the results of Qavam's tactics and how the Russians overlooked the collapse of the rebel regimes and confined their ambitions to an oil concession. However, this Soviet demand was finally refused. In this concluding part, the promotion of American influence in Iran, and Iran's part in United States' global policy are discussed.

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