A tall, somewhat heavy man of the eastern type. He speaks excellent Russian, having spent many years in the diplomatic service in Russia in the old days. His wife, who is the daughter of the Persian consul-general in Moscow, even studied at a Moscow gymnasium. Moghaddam was court minister to the shah prior to his appointment in London and speaks in ecstatic, lisping tones about his master: how ascetic he is, how hard-working, what an outstanding statesman he is, etc. Moghaddam assured me most emphatically that the shah’s one ambition is to stay out of the war and that he will never permit Iran or its territory to be used against the USSR.

I mentioned half in jest that I heard talk of England offering guarantees to Iran. Moghaddam look at me with horror in his eyes, raised his hands and exclaimed: ‘British guarantees? God forbid!… After Poland?… Not for the world! Our life is still dear to us!’

What a fine reputation Chamberlain has won for himself!