OBSERVATIONS ON THE SOVIET-IRANIAN BORDER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80T00246A045700580001-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 31
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 23, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: December 2, 1958
• Content Type: REPORT

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V
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I N FORMATION REPORT I N FORMATION REPORT
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Ibis material oontalns information affecting the National Defense of the United states within the meaning of the Espionage Laws. Title
18. U.B.C. secs. 793 and 794, the transonimion or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.
COUNTRY USSR (Azerbaydzhanskaya SSR)
SUBJECT Observations on the Soviet-Iranian DATE DISTR. 2 December 1958
Border
NO. PAGES 1
a. A report of 15 June 1958 which described the increase of Soviet
construction activity in Astara during 1957 and 1958, as well as some
suggestion at the possible formation of partisan groups,
b. A report of 23 June 1958 and one of 20 February 1957 which referred
to possibilities of rocket activity near Masjed Mahaleh (sic) and
Soviet Arjovan (possibly Archevan),,respectively.
c. A report of 7 July 1958 which described the handing over in Astara of
nine U.S. Air Force men who had been taken prisoner in Armenia.
STATE IX ARW X AYT X IR Ix RI EC
DATE OF
INFO.
PLACE &
DATE ACQ.
2. For the most part these reports described the routine daily activities of
Soviet military and civilian personnel on the Soviet-Iranian
border. In addition,observations of Soviet aircraft crossing the border
were mentioned. Also included are:
Q
0
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Information about the
17 February 1957 - The taking away of traps:
places:
MWMCM~
The Soviets had built traps in the Astaratchai border line, in a25X1
distance of 20 meters along the barbed wires, wherein they caught the
flocks crossing the border places. When the animal was caught,
the frontier official made a request and the Soviets released
the animal. The existence of such traps in a distance of 3 to 10
meters of the border, create great difficulties If 25X1
the Soviets minded the existence of a certain village, .ey made pres-
sures by this means and destroyed their flocks. It sometimes happened
that 30 cows, horses and sheep were caught by such traps, during one
day. Such matters have been reported to the Centre. But since the
Border Commission has started to work there were no animals caught by
traps in this area; although the flocks wander over the border, 25X1
but they are no more caught by traps. It seems that the Soviets have
taken them away.
Observations of 18, 19 February and 17, 16 and 15 February 1957:
on 18 February 25X1
at 0800 hours, a two-engine Soviet plane has been -flying at a height
of 500 meters along the frontier area. The plane was of the Fb li-carev
type. It turned trice above Soviet Astara and then flew toward the
west. On 17 February this plane was seen in the frontier area at 0700
hours. On 17 February two trucks with 30 women and 2 men, drove to
Alashah from the middle way of Astara. They returned at 1400 hours.
In the afternoon, 3 Soviet officers, one of them carrying a notebook,
were visiting the new dam being built by the Soviet laborers in the
area of Farzi-golee. Further observations consisted only of the traffic
and carrying of stones and other building material for the dam.
It is reported from Languebies and Atutan that on 15 and 16
February, 3 Soviet officers and 3 sergeants who were going for visiting
the stations of Malajord and Qarabeik (Station No. 1 and No. 2) re-
turned. On 17 February 6 Soviet soldiers were cleaning the stations
the Soviets had recently built at the mountain's foot. Later they
brought some wood from the Rezabaqui station (Station No. 11) to this
station. In this area the Soviets patrol at 4 or 5 persons. In the
evening the sound of a machine gun reached the frontier people's ears,
;I On 11 February at 1400 hours the Soviet
soldier who is stationed in the observatory opposite Rudekenar descended
the observatory, prevented 2 Soviet fishermen who were fishing from
doing so till they paid him some bribes. He remained there until the
two fishermen caught 3 fishes and returned to Rudekenar. Then h
returned to his place.
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a ... 1/ 1 / V/ r
there are many ducks in the dead waters
of the Sendjedee village in the Bandsar district. Also there are ducks
and geese in the Rudekenar-olia area. The Soviet frontier officers
took advantage of the animals? existence and go hunting. They then
carry their prey back on motorcycles. There is no authorization for
the frontier kolkhoz and civilian people to hunt, at the time being.
the fishermen are not allowed to fish in 25X1
the Astaratchai river at present. This authorization is probably being
given in the beginning of March. Fishing is actually done only by the
station officials or by people who are granted a special authorization.
Fishing lasts only for a few hours. The frontier people are living
mostly on the fish, beside their rations. The price for one Qotum fish
is 15 ruble-s.
Observation of 18, 19 and 20 February 1957:
On 19 and 20 February, 15 Soviet workers speaking Turkish with a
Talysh dialect, and w from Tavalesh-Lankeran, were building on the 1117
dam site opposite the which is known 25X1
under the name The dam is built in a shape of a pyramid.
B
N
o.
At 1700 hours 2 Soviet o icers and 2 engineers came by car
from Astara and visited this dam. After having given orders they re-
turned.
on 20
February at 1530 hours a grey dust was seen on the s y over iet
Arjovan, supposingly caused by a rocket. This dust was seen movin
in serpentines.
side were watching it. At 15 ours a row was th own oward tna
dust and then a shine was seen and the that c anged the direction and 25X1
proceeded toward the sea. At this time,(Col EYFURI and (Co BEHZAD-
AFSHAR members of Iranian Border Commission)", took photos-o his view,
Many peop a sai -that this dust was coming from the Bezepouska Artillery,
which threw. rockets in the air. Some others say that direction showing
rockets were sent and presented such views. At the same time, at 1100
hours, one rocket, moving like a plane, was thrown from the west moun-
tains of Astara toward the sea, parallel to the Soviet border. 25X1
This rocket, looking like a star, fell into the sea and disappeared
but some peasant say that these rockets have been thrown by the Americans.
At any case, the Soviet activities during the last 24 hours have been
very intensive and they search about the appearing of the rockets.
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motorboat lost its route and traversed the water bord
Azerbaydzhan passes ers in. They were about to enter
opposite the Health Department when the
officials wan e o seize them. They immediate drove
they were not followed. As people state, the
Observations of 1, 2, 3 and 4 March 1957:
It is reported from Pole Marz and Gomrok that on 3 March a Soviet
It is reported from Pole Marz and Heidarmahale that on 4 March a
great number of Iranian fishermen were submitting protests to the 25X1
ith 2
25X1
land
frontier
25X1
to the sea and
did not work
25X1
well, otherwise the would have caught them. This matter has been
reported to Colone IMONOV. It is also learned that the Soviet motor-
boats which carry e fishermen from place to place are equipped with
new automatic arms, 25X1
made it was decided that the 0 open the delta At hours .10 n 40 workers with 3 soldiers under the order 25X1
Commander of Squadron, the delta was visited. After avin w ke for
half an hour, 5 Soviet soldiers under the command of t. Co1'AIMONOV2, 25X1
the frontier officer of Astara d x and `Capt.l I ULIKOV, hief of No. 18
25X1
station, were preventin the continuation d work, The Soviet soldiers
were threatening the workers with their arms. As the 25X1
nib e. And they prevent the fishes? coming up, After conversations
This situation lasted for half an hour and as the brought 25X1
in 2 army groups for enforcement, the Soviets brought 45 soldiers and
stationed them opposite the Health Department. Then Capt. KULIKOV said
that if you adv you all shall be killed and the responsibility is
on the frontier officer. At 1400 hours, the Soviet frontier 25X1
officer, Col KHARIN arrived with 2 Lt. Colonels and a Major and it 25X1
was deci d tat the delta be opened by both parts,
soldiers did nothing to defend, the workers fled and returned
the Soviets, in order to end this difference. And
opened the delta at 1800 hours.
finally, the
At 0800 hours a mail plane was seen over Astara. After 5 minutes
it flew toward Lankeran. At 1100 hours another plane was seen which
was a war plane and flew along the frontier. Perhaps this plane came
for help to the soldiers having been ordered to defend the delta.
25X1
on 5 March at 1600 hours 5 Soviet officers
came to the river side. and watched the fishermen. One of the officers
was a non-frontier officer and they looked as unaware of the area and
having come recently. They returned after 10 minutes.
frontier officials about the Soviets fishing in the delta during
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Observations and information of June 22, 23024,& 25, 1958
on June 22nd. three truck 25X1
with no more than 60 soldiers in them, some with red shoulder straps and wearing
hats with brims, went towrds Rezabagli from the direction of Leji on the newly
constructed road., At 19:00 hours one truck was in Zardali Post and the rest were
in Baghchelar woods. Most of these were youths of about 20 years. From 21:00 hours
of this day to 23:00 hours reports of rocket fire, machine gun fire were heard and
tracing rockets were seen. Nothing was seen on the 23rd. of June. Once again on
the same night at 23:00 and 24:00 hours these nightly operations were resumed.
From this it was learned that the said soldiers were in three points of Baghchelar
woods which towers above border road and are points of strategical import,25X1
ance. Such operations are called by some of the friends as border maneuvres.
On this same date a Soviet Officer and two soldiers were chasing back into
N
25X1
cows and their calves. They were finally suacess'ul in this. There was silence
on June 24 and only reports of light machine gun fire were heard.
Report from Minavar region says that on June 23rd. two soldiers with green shoulder
straps were preparing the shooting range for practice and were erecting targets
of black color looking like the silhouette of a man. They worked until 19:00 hours.
At 14:00 hours they had no shirt on. At noon soldiers in this region rest under
wire net covered area of Leji post. Sometimes they read books.
On June 25th. a Soviet plane of Taplov type was seen flying parallel to the border
above Isa Seifi woods. It was very far and could not be recognized in detlil.
the Border officer of Astara and hamin are to 25X1
closedown the tea shop of Bohlul located on Hiran Pass- Namin road. Evidently
during recent years this teashop was on the route of those going to Soviet Union.
Border offic,~r is now studying, s_ instruct ion.
25X1
According toe report from ran pas bula and Arpa Tapesi in the year 1337 , no
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Pass, Bohlul teashop, Khaneqah, Hula and Minavar.
one has been able to pass over to the Soviet Union thru the secret passes of Hiran
25X1
at 6:30 of June 22 a plane of Pulikarov type
was flying at an elevation of less than 500 meters and some of the peasants saw
its pilot.
On June 23, 1958 7 soldeirs and one officer were repairing the plowed land in the
area of Masjed Mahaleh and were installing certAin objects under the props of barb-
ed wires at the restricted region. Some say that these were rockets.
At 12:00 hours of this day a young boy brought a basket full of cucumbers. Said
officer gave one to each of the soldiers and they rested under the wires.
On June 24th. a plane of white color which could not be distinguished was seen
flying at a distance of 6 Kilometers from the F____]border and prepecular?to
25X1
the border kxk= line.
At 11:00 hours of June 25th. two truckloads of ten soldiers, some kerosene barrels,
several men and women and some beds and commodities were going from Masjed Mahaleh
Traffic and aactivity has consisted of soldiers on Patrol duty only during these
recent days .
to Astara.
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June 15, 1958.
Rumors and reports at Soviet territory
25X1
the Soviets have summoned to the head
quarters of brigades and regiments a number of civilians. These civilians are con-
sidered for use a nst any occupation forces of foreigners in cases of necessity.
During the second world War Partisan regiments were formed who served in partiscui
warfare against the Germans. They were able to fight in mountaino,is regions and
hold back the enemy.
25X1
rational Resistance Movement are getting ready to fight in cases of necessity
against Atomic and Hydrogen bombs. At such times the nor-military will be directed
elsewhere and told to take cover. Up to this hour no one has b,-.en summoned ( to
such purpose ) at the Soviet border and traffic is as usual.
Constructions at Astara and at Kolkhoz establishments.
eluding houses, military quarters, clubs, schools, theater hcuse have been built
In the years 1945- 6- and 7 there were no modern constructions in Astara of the
Soviets. Houses occupied by government organizations and the people were all old
ho e5. However since the year 1957 and in 1958 a large number of modern buildings
which look good from the distance. Formerly Post
ber 17)used by the soldiers
was small. Recently at least ten new buildings have been built,some of which are
.as yet )not finished. In these government employees work. Formerly thers wss
no outstanding building in the region of Kalvaz. In the year 1950 a building for
the commanders office was started. Now another is being built for the border patrol
-korder region.
and its soldiers. Buildings are also being consdtructed in other regions of Moghan
aw "
c+PnnrT
Bathing in the river and ..
According to the report received from friends, soviet border Patrol soldiers go to
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bath as the instructions of border officials direct them to. Recently some of the
soldiers have been seen bathing in the river between 14, 15 and 16:00 hours. Some
go to the sea shore to bathe. It is obvious that they have worked and have to wash
off their prespirations. In some of the posts soldiers of 20 years of age are seen,
25X1
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this post is so
On June 26, 1958
privates were se
l
25X1
persons who are in the cars. No doubt the only reason
why this post has been set up is to do such watching as there is nothing of impor-
tance on this side of the border to watch except a half platoon of soldiers and
few shops.
On June 27 a Soviet plane of small size with little noise was seen flying above
Anvaz heights. this plane was of the color of pigeon. No one but a few donkey men
from Namin saw this plane.
go on observation duty. Now they have an iron tower from which to watch
On June 26th. Ooviets were building an iron observation tower opposite of Aqchay
village. The had bro
Y sight to the site iron bars and beams for it, but they started
to work on this date. Now there are 5 solderis and one sergeant with khaki color
shoulder straps with an officer seen sometimes working on this tower.
This post set up close to the border road of Ardebil no further than a hundred
would formerly
meters has caused concern and anxiety, because in this region Soviets*let their
soldiers take cover under the trees at this sensitive point and then these would
at Aqchay. Sometimes cars belonging to
located that it can maintain close watch on all cars coming from the road turn
foreigners stop
at Aqchay because there are offices of the Red Lion and sun and officials of the
municipality there. Thus the boviets who are on observation duty can even note
two being warrant officers and others being
en passing in this region. Members of the
a
so seen passing about.
On June 27th, three ''oviet Soldiers wearing hats which had bri~is, were seen one
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under th~ observation tower and the other two-oiling the tower bases. They worked
until 1400 hours. Now the bases of this tower shine. these bases have been oiled
I
so that they may not rust.
On June g8, 1958 a truck with 10 soldiers in it and later two trucks of B* type
with civilians in it were going east from west. Soviet rice plantations are very
good in this.region.
in this region have
been vaccinated. This is guessed from the gathering at Rud Kenar on June 28th.
On June 27, 1958, a car of Gazz make with two officers in it were inspecting the
area and comkoun4 f izil Aoar cot. At ri;;ht three rockets were fired. Zia
trucks pass the. newly built road.
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Observations of July 17,
from 9:00 to 12:00 hours ofJuly 17, reports
of hand grenades, Tommy gun fire were hearl at Kalvaz post region. When this ended
another group ( or platoon ) of soldiers were getting training in field operations
under the supervision of one officer and 6 sergeants. They were opposite the village
of Aq-Bolaq.
In the morning of July 18, one plane was seen above the heights of bhichkalu hill.
In the region between landmark # 114 soviets have repaired some of the wooden props
and have brought additional props from Lirik region to this area.
At the opposite border soldiers are on the alert at nights. so soldiers at the
border are on the alert.
On July 17th. Soviets took out to graze in the hills around Kalaputi 44 sheep of
this village which was kept in quarantine at the Animal Husbandry Collective center.
officials have asked for payment to cover fodder.) (villagers at the
25X1
border are vexed with the Soviets and continue to write petitions to the Border Pat-
rol command.
On July 18 and 19, three truckloads of food supplies, 20 soldiers and with barbed
wire passed in this region.
Grass at the border regions of Kolesh - Anbaran, and Mirzaneq which need to be sold
have not as yet been given to any party.
From 17:00 to 21:00 hours of July 18, whistle of the train was heard four times.
Since trains at Soviet Astara railways station were a cause for concern, sergeants
at various posts were told. 'mb trees to watch this traffic and the report
came as a result that there has occurred no change in the number of border unit
25X1
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soldiers,
,
Soviet planes flew of
On July 18 a soviet Jet plane of Tu-104 type passed
SECRET
~t 14:15, 9:00 and 17:00 hours.
on its way to at 10:40 hours. The plane came from Baku and by the permission
I'll
2
of General Hedayat. It had changed its flight hour from 6:00 A.M. to 10:40 hours.
On July 19, at 5:00 A.M. four Soviet ships two being barges.( Barkas ) equipped
with coastal guns and machine guns' .were at the old pier of Astara. In the morning
border soldiers were somewhat concerned over this. However it was learned 25X1
tion tower watching the border for 20 minutes.
that one of the barges carry cattle and one is not armdd. It is not where the cat-
tle were being taken to. At 12:00 and 17:00 hours once more whistles from trains
could be heard. All soldiers of the border Patrol and those on observatio]25X1
duty are on the alert 24 hours a day.
On July 19 about 8 old model trucks and thirteen carts were carrying men, women,
soldiers, a number of chairs, some beds, rocks and grass on the border road of
Masjed Mahaleh to Astara.
At 18:00 hours 1st. Lt. Gribanov coninander of post number 17 was at the observa-
Considerable anxiety on behalf of Soviets on the other side of the border is noted
and it seems that there are some movements amongst soldiers at the Apposite border.
During border visits Soviet officials are not jovial as they used t.n hw 9nr~ i^^U
reserved. However there is no change in the number of soldiers at the posts.
. Report from Baghe Sirus says that on July 18, 19, and 20 the loudspeaker at the
25X1
Soviet Masjed Mahaleh was broadcasting propaganda against the
At 9:00 &
at 15:00 hours a number of Kolkhos people of this region were assembled at points
where loudspeakers are installed and from many cigarets smoked it seemed that the
25X1
morale of the people was very bad and they were afraid because of the arrival of
25X1
fSr _w~ in Turksese pe ve seen'hQw I yight in the years 25X1
"k m A -2 ni n _ A i L_ F A - 4 o + ~1 fr , i of }.o +.h^ rinnnI ?b of A2wrhai ian 25X1
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On July 20th. training given to 20 soldiers continuediat Qapchimahaleh Post and
On July 19th, 5 3otiet soldiers all without shirts, two armed with Tom* guns
were repairing the barbed wire. They were plowing the land by the wire and were
setting up something. It can not be said for certain that these were mines. On this
day smoke from Soviet trains were seen above Qaleh heights, but the cargo could not
be seen.
On this day two trucks, one Georky car, one ambulance and five motorcycles were
seen moving o8 this road.
On the afternoon of this there were three on observation duty at the Soviet post
one of whom was a sergeant.
Before noon of July 20th. conditions were normal and in the afternoon a cart carry-
ing five soldiers, one woman,,' two children of officers arrived at the Post from
Soviet Astara. The Soviet lst. Lt. came to the gate, picked his child and kissed
him and took him in.
At 15:00 hours part of the sides of the post and the door were waiduLd painted. On
the door it is written in Russian 19.53 ( or 19.53 )
At 18:00 hours 7 soldiers were catching fish. 5 soldiers hastily swam a\Astara Am-
lak river and went back to the post. In this region also there is no increase of
soldiers on Patrol Duty. It can be even said that they are imm active, as before.
8 soldiers who had no shirt on were widening the road opposite Vanabin, Baghchelar,
Rezabaghi. They have been working since ten days ago having pitched their tents
at Zardali post.
On July 18th. one officer and two soldiers wearing hats with brims, and officer
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wearing a hat with green band were watching the ~ border. Then they went to-
wards their landmark number 131.
Four kerosene barrels and a number of canned food cases came to this post.
Soviet soldiers on patrol duty have in some cases mouthpieces ( or earphones ) in
their bags together with 3 or four 32 shell clips for their Tommy guns.
.On July 19th. there was no activity but the roar of a plane which could not be
seen by order inhabitants.
On the night of the 20th. of July there was a rocket fired of red color. In this
area border soldiers are not changed in their number and there is no activity.
On complete battalion arrived at Ardebil with artileery and tanks from Kurdestan
as reinforcement. the city of Ardebil had been evacuated recently from soldiers
and now it is again reinforced.
are selling their houses and furniture and moving south
Report from Ardebil says that due to the present situation some of the landowners
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Observations of June 26- June 29, 30, and July 1, 1958
Every day thousands of people come to watch Soviet ships dredging the port.
Some of the border officers of Hasan Kiadeh and Hashtpar leave their posts to
come and watch these ships working, or come to have a good time :n Pahlavi.
Fishing has been forbidden since a week ago. There are onl..- a few at ':ach of the
Fisheries. They are closing their accounts as an accounts statement needs to
be drawn up by June 30, 1958. It is said that
the Head of Fisheries
in the North is not in full command of his office and persons around him who are
suspected elements twist him around their fingers.
On June 26 a Soviet plane was flying at the border re;i_on. Not much border activiLy
is noted in this area. There are some trucks who carry food and fodder.
At Qarebig and Malayurd several soviet soldiers are cutting grass from border re-
gions which passed into the hands of the Soviets recently.
farmers and local landovprers.
such grass be sold to 25X1
On June 29th. twenty soviet military horses which were small were lead by five
border soldiers from Korpipost towards the mounta nsy-gat 6:00 A.M.
On this same date an officer was
4o 12 soldiers who were assembled around
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It was learned that some of the soldiers at this post have been changed and they
are now being instructed and trained, and shown around. These soldiers are all
thin and are Qf Russian race.
At night soldiers at this post swim in the river.
On June 30th. at 20:00 hours a film was shown to the soldiers at this post and
about 30 men and women. The film unit left for Astara on the same night. 25X1
On this day a truckload of Kolkhoz people were at Achena ? canal and were digging
the canal. They expressed their anger over their belief that were stealing
water for their farms.
On'July 1 two Soviet Soldiers were repairing land mark number 110.
On this date one officer went to the observation post and watched the area
for ten minutes. Then he went alogg with a soldier from
the observation tower to inspect the border line. Since June 28 there have been
some iq repairs at the border line using barbed wire props that look like this 1 1 ~.
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Observations of July 3, 4, 5, and 6, 1 558.
On July 3rd. at 5:00 A.M. A soviet plane of Pulikarov type was flying above the
border line.
At ll;O0 about 50 soldiers were swimming in the sea. In the afternoon two officers
in summer.wear like American coats each with a " neckband " were fishing. At 16:00
hours two officers, and a sergeant and three soldiers were also fishing with nets.
They were armed with rifles when fishing.
At 10:00 hours of July 4 a Soviet reconnaissance plane was above the border.
Three B P trucks, two motor cycles, and six jeeps of Gaaz I type arrived at Astara.
Later one bus xm= left for Lankaran. Traffic in vehicles and individuals has de-
creased. On warm days patrolmen withou dogs. It seems that these dogs can not stand
warm weather.
On this day a Soviet small ship was in anchor at a distance of 100 meters. Ten
navy soldiers came out of the ship and went ashore. Then a B P truck bought straw
and delivered it to the ship. At 18:00 hours another ship was seen in the horizon.
Ths first ship carried the cargo of straw toLankaran, probably for the cavalry.
units there.
On this day 5 trucks were carrying grass from the border line from 14:00 to 18:99
hours. goldiers wear no coats while in their headquarter yard. On this day Lt. Col.
Vashutin the assistant Border 6ommander came to the border bridge
to discuss irrigation at the border and the
25X1
On July 6th. eight officers and 33 soldiers both from the border units and non bor-
der units were cleaning and levelling the kwt border bridge road to the part east
of the barracks. It was rumored on this day that the Soviets intend to deliver 9
Americans who were arrested in Sov ' - ia$$ran thg;bq*t^ r at Astara and for
this reason the roads were cleaned up . BRUT
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,klso at this point a small W.C. was built at the border brdige by the `'oviet so
can
that this =nAr& be used during border visits.
On this date one Gaaz car, two Ziis trucks, one Moscowitch car came to the border
bridge and these continued to go back and forth. At night Soviet searchlight light-
ed the sea and the Iranian shores from 22:00 hours to 4:00 A.M. Less rockets are
fired in this region than before. At 21:00 hours of this two bursts of Tommy gun
fire were heard at the Rud Kenar region.
On July 5th. when Joviet soldiers went on duty there were no dogs along with them.
They have not been using dogs during the last two days. This is due to hot weather.
On this date at 16:00 hours three soldiers two with Tommy guns and one with a rifle
all with hats having brims elean.ri out the area around the concrete pillbox. They
worked here for two hou3s. Then one of them talked on an earpiece with some other
center.
On July 6th. a truckload od soldiers and then three truckloads of civilians were
going 1z towards Masjed Mahaleh. Obviously they were belebrating a marriage.
At noon of July 5th. a Soviet ambulance came to the said post. It returned later.
At 13:00 hours 6 Soviet soldiers were at the small river swimming.
On this day 15 Soviet workers were working on the concrete dam under the supervision
of engineer Aqaov. In this region which was under discussion by J-2 and the Border
officers of Iran the Soviets have built a dam looking like an obtuse angle. Now due
the delay in rainfall they are doing more work on it. On July 6 the Soviet lst. Lt.
had a uniform on looking like ~summer uniform. He came to the border with
two soldiers and returned ne horse and two cows. Althou soldiers
have set up a barbed wire barrier yet cattle can pass it.
At 17:00 hours of July 6 thereN &j7[Y 4:_VR4py.b41 in Qapchi Mahaleh post.
7 A- n T'
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Observations are limited in this season due to trees' and forests.
On JUly 5th. d 6th. a Soviet tractor and three soldiers and one sergeant were
smoothing up th lowed land. They were also repairing and inspecting barbed wires
which were stretched on props of this shape rrr,r I
At present activity in this region has been reduced and there are less rockets
being fired.
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Observations of July 6, 7,8,& 9, 1958.
On the nights of the 6th. and the 7th. of July Soviet searchlights both from the
sea and from land lighted the area of Archevan village, and the.region east of
Soviet Astara and the seashore regions.
In Astara city is said that on July 8th. nine U.S. pilots who had to land in Ar-
menia were delivered to Col. Baska,'4merican advisor, by the Soviets. People at
the border region learned of this thru the press on July 9th. It is quite sur-
prising why these were returned at the border at Astara.
Report of July 6th. says that during the said day three truckloads of food items,
cattle and Joviet soldiers went from Qarebig to Malyurd. they delivered their pro-
visions to Malayurd Post. On July 7 a car with several officers and a woman left
towards Qarabig from the direction of Lengehbiz and went opposite At-Tutan. During
the months of June and Jur there was no considerable activities going on in this
region.
by Kolkhoz people on shepherdndtrty. Therv.will- .get,t.n_Le_ i and Isa Seyfi at 20:00
On July 8th. five soldiers ahd three dogs and later with one officer were in the
area south of the newly built Baghchelar post and were practicing. Later the
wife of the border post officer came and his wife showed that she was afraid of it
dogs. On this night four-rockets were fired and then light machine gun xKdx3mudmk
fire were heard together with special rockets. These were in the west part of
Sheridan Qalesi.
On July 9th about 200 sheep and a cattle were taken from Rezabaghi towards Leji,
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ULUB U
On this day a Soviet officer was talking to ten soldiers.
from
On July 7th. 22 soldiers and workers arid 'some engineers iiikk three tents which
they had pitched by Zardali post left going towards the mountain opposite of
Chentrak. tome had carpenters saw in their hands. They were widening the road.
At presents tents are where they were before and the widened parts of the road
are not seen
On July 8th. at 7:00 I.M. 9 Soviet plane type not recognized was flying above the
border line. Above Tango heights? said plane took to a higher altitude and went
north. Since there is no booklet giving the types of planes our friends can not
recognize various types of planes.
25X1
On the night of July 9th. Soviet searchlights at land and sea crisscrossed in the
air, Soviets have sent new searchlights to the border and military centers and
they continue to light the air with them.
SECRET
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Observations of July 16, 17, 18, and 19th. 1958.
25>
On Judy 16 a Soviet plane twine engined, of Pulikarov and Ilyushin type was seen
flying beyond the border three times. At night new Soviet searchlights light the
air both from the land and the sea and keep a watch.
At 8:00, 12:00 and 19:00 hours of July 16 and 17th. the train between Baku, Astar25X1
and Lankaran was going back and forth all the time. Whistle could be heard
It seems that the train schedule has changed and there is more traffic. However
it seems that the train is not used for soldiers and border patrol units because
there is no change in the number of Border Patrol soldiers and in the posts.
the train is used to take back and forth students and Scouts who
come every summer to Lankaran warm waters fromSiberia and Caucasia.
_,J~ts from Ardebil wealthy fami-
lies drowned in Shurabil pit of Ardebil. Mourning; on this occasion and because of
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the-month of mourn =ng .
There are many rumors on
forces irk at
home suspect that a condition like that of Shahrivar 1320 ( Sept. 1941 25X1
may come to prevail~ Others say that this is not probable because the 2i*
25X1
Soviets are now busy inside with their own troubles due to the cliques of Bulganin,
Stalin, Molotov, and Khrushchev and Malenkov. Conditions are much worse that what
they were in the years 1945 and 1946 and if there ever be a War the Soviets will
bust from inside.
About 10 ooviet soldiers and three monuted ones wnet on July 16th. to Gazma Daresi
to practice shooting. 'hey returned at 18:00 hours. It seems that there are some
new soldiers at this post who need pratice Nejj soldiers are of yellow hair and
blue eyes. Ah 17th. of July at 6:00 in the morning a car with several in it arrived
a# Shelehjuran post and then went towards Kalvaz. At this region Soviet officers
were inspecting soldiers on duty. this car was seen in front of Buzarjomehri post
at Kalputi post. on July 17th.
Report from Gilehdeh and Aqchay says:
On July 16th. the construction of the new metal observation tower was completed
and every day there are two soldiers who go to the tower at 5:30 with their obser-
vation notebook and work there. From this tower all that Xxzxubc pass roads
_._- _ ~... 25X1
can be seen especially as there are several turn w-ich.cause passing cars to slow
up.
On July 18th. from 15:00 to 18:00 hours telephone posts were inspected and their
insulators were changed.
On this day 7 trucks carried raff.1A nn,-1 fniciArnvmr the rant] . These are old vehicles...
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21:00 hours of July 12,958
Very interesting
visit between Col. Kaska "ir Attache and Ivanov and Petrov in Soviet Astara
As reported before at the time the nine U. 9. Citizens were delivered to Col. Baska
there were two ''oviet political members who were introduced as Ivanov and Petrov.
Althou formalities were performed under the direction of Lt. Col. Kuzmin yet these
two made decisions and ordered what needed to be done. Lt. Col. Kuzmin introduced
the two as advisors to the border office at Lankaran and under the names of Ivanov
and Petrov and said that these two workedunder his direction in Lanakaran. Even
American officers knew that it was not so and these two are high officials of the
Soviet Union who decide on all things with regard to the delivery.
It is known that often Soviet officers at the border
want not recognized as Ivanov or Petrov. At one time
Ruhi'and Col. Azmin said that they were surprised to
Petrbvs in the Soviet Union.
introduce-persons whom they
Iranian border officers Col.
find so many Ivanovs and
Looking at the Soviet magazine Aqaynuk (OZOUa ) issue of April 1958, number 15
it seems that these two are Ikhfeld and Enutin both political officials of the
rank of minister who work at the following addresses.
Ikhfeld, Deputy to the President o; the U.S.S.R. in Moscow at the presidium. He
attends congress meetings, and his position is that of a minister.
Enutin, Head of Inspection Committee of the Soviet Ministry who is in charge of
all inspections and has the rank of a minister and attends congress meetings.
As is evident from Soviet press these two are quite like the two introduced as
Ivanov and Petrov. The sum of 30,000 Reubles reuired by Moscow as expenditure
was noted in the protocols by them.
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Observations of July 20, 21, 22
- sent
On July 21, a group of Soviet Soldiers few of whom equipped with shovels were
going from the direction of Monafysri towards Shendan Qalesi. On the way they met
a car in which there were several soldiers. Officers came out of the vehicle and
instructed the soldiers how to repair and extend the raod at Shendan Qalehei region.
On this day at 16:30 a plane of Illushin type was seen flying at a height of 1000
meters above the border.. This plane was at a distance of 40 Kilometers. In this
region activities and passage of Border Patrol units has increased to some extent.
On the evening of July 20th. a truck of perhaps Gaz type arrived at Alasha post
from Astara with 'a cargo which was not known. Perhaps it brought food items and
weapons. It seems that there was some cargo which they wanted to keep unknown
because the truck passed at night. These days soldiers on observation 25X1
duty keep vigil and the truck could not have passed at daytime without being
observed.
On July 21, from 8:00 to 12:00 hours there was only drills going on at Alasha post
by 5 soldiers and 2 sergeants. In the afternoon a Captain was teaching telephone
and communication, as there was a telphone hanging in the porch. who
went to rice plantations of territory says that there is a 1st. Lt. together 25X1
with two soldiers in the observation post and on observation duty.
?
On %uly 22 in the morning report of train whistles and smoke were noted above
the Qaleh ( wood collectin mchiha "
At 14:00 hours 30 men and women and 15 soldiers were on Alasah Bandsar road. On
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this night two fla red.
On Jully 21, two soviet barges ( Barkas ) were at a point 300 meters off the shore
of Astara gate.
At night roars of planes flyigg and engine reports are heard and in the morning 25X1
these are seen from heights. Uonditions look normal.
On this day one ambluaace entered the Health unit and it seemed that scmeone had
died as some were heard weeping.
At 8;00 hours of July 21, one officer a first it. went up the observation tower
and then came down. Qaleh post supports this statement too, but no other such
report is received from other posts.
On July 21 at 12:30 four officers with red hats and four with green together with
three well armed soldiers walked voer from Astara to the Border bridge. 'they stayed
for 20 minutes. Arrival of these iimoe eight officers was quite a cause of concern
becailtse they are from combat forces and it seemed that they had arrived recently 25X1
at the region and soldiers who came with them were also new.
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20:00 hourv
Yuly 7, 1958.
Deli*ery of nine U.S. air force men by Lt. Col. Kuzmin to U. S. Air Attache Col.
Bask&.
Very important:
border officer and later they said that Moscow had
25X1
Upon the order of vol. Zarabi, Major Taban 25X1
informed the Soviet Border officer t hat by the approval and 25X1
--
Iand American representatives were ready to take delivery
0oviet Embassy, F
25X11
of American who were in the plane landed on June 27th. in Soviet Armenia.
At 18:00 hours the ooviets told us thru Lt. ~'ol Usatov and Lt. Col. Vashtin that
they wanted to know who were the official representatives of %ierican and who were
supervising the delivery. The Ooviets first said that the delivery would
5X1
be made to Lt. Col.
25X1
ordered delivery to the representatives of the U. S. Embassy and that 25X1
only Col. Baska and Lt. ~ol.Dimmick would be needed in the Soviet Union. Thus the
Soviet commission was formed as follows:
From the boviet bide: Lt. Col Kuzmin border Commander of Lankaran region.
Lt. ~'ol. Vashutin Asst.
Mohamadov, menlb!
Guzelov, interpretor sent from Baku
Russian ) 25X1
Ivanov, member.
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Petrov, member vanov and Petrov were from the Soviet Ministry
of Foreign affairs and were important persons.
A doctor from Azerbaijan.
Yusefzadeh, English translator.
From the American side:
Uol. Baska,- U.S. Air Attache
Lt. aol. Dimmick, a doctor.
Captain Salehi, Lnglish translator, order Patrol Command.
Lt. Col Zarabi, Border Uommander of Astara.
mohamadian, interpretor.
At 7:30 of July 7th.
25X1
border bridge and the door was open-
to Soviet Astara. Lt. Col. Kuzmin-said how the nine U.S.
citizens had been when arrested and said that on June 27th, a four engined U.S.
Air Force plane was 170 Kilometers in Soviet territory south of the city of Erivan.
Soviet fighters ordered the plane to land, which U.S. Plane did not. Later due to
repeated threats it did and when it landed in caught fire. Soviets arrested the
nine Americans. They were taken for interrogations and also for medical attention
needed by them. He added that due to good relations between the Soviet Union and
all of the World they are now returned.
Col. Baska then spoke and said that by the permission of U. t. government he is
ready to take delivery of these citizen of USA. After a protocol was drawn in both
Russian and English it was agreed that the said U.S. citizens would be delivered
ce
their arrest Americans had been tr';ated well and placed
Col. Kuzmin said that sin
in the best hotels in Baku where they were given good reception. He said that each
one of the prisoners could be questioned. It was agreed that the protocol would
be signed after each was asked it,
Americans came to 25X1
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1st. Lt. and several others. They were asked by Dol. Baska how they had been treat-
ed and all said that they had been treated well, and given all possible help. Then
the protocol was signed.
Considerable number of pictures were taken. More than one hundred of these. There
were so many pictures that the Border Officer of Astara said that we were tired
of pictures. When American prisoners were released and were speaking with each
other in the yard many pictures were taken. Yusefzadeh the Soviet English inter-
pretor said that this was a very important occasion and pictures xxk are taken so
that they may be published by the press everywhere. He said that this was very
important in the relati ns of the countries of the World and pictures would be
sent to all of the papers of the Soviet Union.
Col. Kuzmin said that according to instructions received the sum of Reubles 30,000
had been spent on Americans since their landing and going to Baku. They had also
purdhased some of the things they needed from shops and restaurants. Col. Basks
studied the sum mentioned for some time and them noted in the Lnglish text of
the protocol that U. S. government is to pay this sum to cover expences of the
group while in the Soviet Union.
some
When the plane was forced to land mm of the ones in it were wounded. they had been
given treatment by Soviet doctors. They were in the same uniforms as they had been
at the time of their arrest. They were of good morale. Only the Colonel arrested
looked thoughtful and was unhappy. It seems that he had to face a grave responsi-
bility and was afraid that he would be court marshalled
At noon and during the meeting the meeting was under. the direction of the two
civilians Petrov and Ivanov. they were the ones who gave all the instructions.
Col. Baska noted this. These two did not come very close
to Col. Baska. Instead
it was Lt. Col. Kuzminl I. The protocoal was
25X1
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SECRET
signed in the presen ithe table Lt. Col. Kuzmin spoke
of World peace and then an American Major spoke. 'her
Zarabi spoke. Lunch lasted until 12:20
Border U orrmander
On this day the condition was quite interesting in Soviet Astara. Few civilians
were in the area There were several cars and
buses. A group had gathered in Lenin square to see the Americans. On the table
there were flags of U.S.A., Soviet Union.
A bus of Zil type brought from Baku which
which was very clean and had a driver from Baku took
25X1
to the border bridge.
Four Gendammery jeeps were sent to Astara to take Americans to Rasht from where
they would go on U.S. plane. There was a colonel with them. These Jeeps left for
Rasht at 16:00 hours.Americans sat in the back seats of the jeeps and it seemed
as it they were under arrest.
When the said Americans came to Astara they saw their friends and two who were
close friends embrased each other and cried. The American Colonel was very un-
happy and he cried also. They wanted to go 0 as speedily as possible. 25X1
Cases of Pepsi Cola and Beer were opened and consumed.
A point of interest:
Delivery was made by Lt. Col. Kurnin and to Col. Baska and not to colonel Zarrabi.
Some of the Americans were astonished and thought that perhaps Zarabi has certain
relations with them and they w t; O,cover it by this act of not paying any atten-
tion to him. Also Americans were s why they wanted to deliver these at the
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".Vy$4
zone of Lt. Col. Kuzmin in the presence of ara i to American officers. this is
nod yet exp]ained . Perhaps the Soviets waht to present Gol. Kuzmin,a very clevrr
Soviet official as a lover of peace and a good man.
This is to be solved by politicians.
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