Rozita Miri

February 22^nd 1921 coup of Reza Khan may be considered a turning point in the political relationship of Iran and the Britain. As 1917 revolution of the Russia has deprived the Qajars from Russian support, it was time for its rival to expand its influence more than ever.

The main purpose of the coup was to take Ahmad Shah's control over the military power of the Cossack Brigade. So it was necessary to dislodge Colonel Staroselski, the commandant of the Cossacks from its position. Subsequent to his removal, a senior British officer, Colonel Smayce who came to Iran for the training of the new army, was appointed to deal with the Cossack brigade affairs. Despite Majlis having appointed Sardar Homayun as Cossack commandent, General Ironside and colonel Smayce had invested Reza Khan with powers to carry out the coup. However, it could not be done without the help of domestic elements. Seyyed Ziaaddin Tabatabi was one of those who had taken oath to fulfill the coup.

It is said that there were five people including Seyyed Ziaaddin, Reza Khan mirpanj, Major Massud Khan, colonel Ahmad Agha khan AmirAhmadi, and colonel Kazem Khan Sayyah, who were united and sealed the back of the Holy Koran to carry out their plan.

Since 1913 Ardeshir Ji's network had been connected to Reza Khan through Mirza Karim Khan Rashti and somehow undertook his political training. Ardeshir Ji believed that Seyyed Zia had performed his task well and his incentive was to help his country, but he exaggerated in showing off his connection with the British. Seyyed Zia in many occasions has said that events of the coup were secrets and should not be mentioned. However the existing telegrams between the British foreign secretary and the British minister in Iran and further to that General Ironside's diaries reveal the British nature of the coup.

Though General Ironside is known as the architect of 1921 coup, if is evident it would not achieve its goals without the support of domestic elements, especially the Zargandeh committee, the members of which were in close connection with the British Legation. As one of its most secret members of the committee, Mirza Karim Khan Rashti has confessed to his being a mediator between the Legation and Reza Khan.

The coup aimed at the establishment of military dictatorship all over the country and within a few days closed the publication of all dailies in the country.