ABSTRACT
While the British were closely involved in Reza Khan’s centralizing policy, they practically stood aside as he steadily increased his grasp over the government in the capital. As noted earlier, they were not able to influence effectively the course of events there. Nor were they willing to commit themselves definitely to any personality or group as long as the political situation remained in a state of flux. Yet both the Foreign Office and the Legation watched with satisfaction as Reza Khan continued to climb up the political ladder and obviously did not wish to see him toppled. However the power struggle in Tehran soon became inextricably entwined with the conflict in south Persia. To secure his position in Tehran, Reza Khan had to bring the south firmly under his control. Consequently, the Foreign Office was confronted with the choice between Reza Khan and the southern chiefs, especially Sheikh Khaz’al. After Curzon’s disappearance from the scene, early in 1924, the Foreign Office gradually, though tortuously, came down in favour of Reza Khan’s centralizing policy.1
