On May 26th 1942, the alliance between Britain and Russia was consummated by the signing of a Treaty of Collaboration and Mutual Assistance. The second part dealing with common action to preserve peace in the post war period was to run for 20 years.
In January both Britain and Russia had concluded a Treaty with Persia.
Anglo Soviet Iranian Treaty of Alliance Signed at Teheran on January 29th 1942
The preamble states that it is based on the principles of the Atlantic Charter and results from the desire of the three parties to strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding.
Treaty contains nine articles.
Article 1. Britain and the U.S.S.R. undertake to respect the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Iran.
Article 2. Establishes an alliance between the two Powers and Iran.
Article 3. The Allied Powers undertake to defend Iran from aggression by Germany or any other Power.
Iran undertakes to co-operate with the Allies by all means at its command, but the assistance of the Iranian forces will be limited to maintaining internal security.
Furthermore the Allies receive the right to maintain, guard and in certain receive all assistance and facilities in obtaining material and recruiting labour, at the same time the Allies will give full consideration to the essential needs of Iran.
Article 4.Permits the Allies to maintain in Iran such land, sea, and air forces as they consider necessary, their presence on Iranian territory will not constitute a military occupation and will disturb as little as possible the normal life of the country.
Article 5. Lays down that the Allies forces shall be withdrawn not later than six months after hostilities cease.
Article 6. Binds Britain and the U.S.S.R. not to adopt in their relations with other countries an attitude prejudicial to the territorial integrity or political independence of Iran, nor to conclude treaties inconsistent with the present treaty.
Iran will be consulted in all matters affecting her direct interests and will on her side likewise undertake similar obligations towards the Allies.
Article 7. The Allies Powers undertake to safeguard as far as possible the economic existence of the Iranian people against privations and difficulties arising out of the war.
Article 8. Lays down that the provisions of the treaty are equally binding as bilateral obligations between Iran and each of the Allied Powers.
Article 9. Lays down that the treaty remains in force until withdrawal of the British and Russian forces from Iran.
Treaty of Alliance in the War against Hitlerite Collaboration and Mutual Assistance Thereafter Between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. London , May 26th 1942.
His Majesty The King of Great Britain, Ireland , and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, Emperor of India, and the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Have decided to conclude a treaty for that purpose and have appointed as their Plenipoteniaries.
His Majesty the King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland the Right Honourable Anthony Eden, M.P, His Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, M. Vyacheslav Mikhailovuich Molotov, Peoples Commissar for Foreign Affairs, who having communicated their full powers, found in good and due form have agreed as follows;
Part 1.
Article 1.In virtue of the alliance established between the United Kingdom and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic’s, the High Contracting Parties mutually undertake to afford one another military and other assistance and support of all kinds in the war against Germany and all those States which are associated with her in acts of aggression in Europe.
Article ll. The High Contracting Parties undertake not to enter into any negotiations with the Hitlerite Government or any other Government in Germany that does not clearly except by mutual consent any armistice or peace treaty with Germany or any other State associated with her in acts of aggression in Europe.
Part II
Article III (1) the High Contracting Parties declare their desire to unite with other like minded States in adopting proposals for common action to preserve peace and resist aggression in the post war period.
(2) Pending the adoption of such proposals, they will after the termination of hostilities take all the measures in their power to render impossible a repetition of aggression and violation of the peace by Germany or any of the States associated with her in acts of aggression in Europe.
Article IV. Should one of the High Contracting Parties during the post war period become involved in hostilities with Germany or any of the States mentioned in Article III.
(2) In consequence of an attack by that State against that Party, the other High Contracting Party so involved in hostilities all the military and other support and assistance in his power.
This Article shall remain in force until the High Contracting Parties by mutual consent, shall recognize that it is superseded by the adoption of the proposals contemplated in Article III (I).
In default of the adoption of such proposals, it shall remain in force for a period of 20 years, and thereafter until terminated by either High Contracting Party, as provided in Article VIII.
Article V. The High Contracting Parties, having regard to the interests and the security of each of them, agree to work together in close and friendly collaboration after the re-establishment of peace for the organization of security and economic prosperity in Europe.
They will take into account the interests of the United Nations in these objects and they will act in accordance with the two principles of not seeking territorial aggrandizement for themselves and of non interference in the internal affairs of other States.
Article VI. The High Contracting Parties agree to render one another all possible economic assistance after the war.
Article VII. Each High Contracting Party undertakes not to conclude any alliance and not to take part in any coalition directed against the other High Contracting Party.
Article VIII. The present treaty is subject to ratification in the shortest possible time and the instruments of ratification shall be exchanged in Moscow as soon as possible.
It comes into force immediately on the exchanged of the instruments of ratification, and shall therefore replay the agreement between the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and his Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, signed at Moscow on July 12th 1941.
Part 1 of the present treaty shall remain in force until the re-establishment of peace between the High Contracting Parties and Germany and the Powers associated with her in acts of aggression in Europe.
PartII .of the present treaty shall remain in force for a period of 20 years.
Thereafter, unless 12 months notice has been given by either party to terminate the treaty at the end of the said period of 20 years , it shall continue in force until 12 months after either High Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other in writing of his intention to terminate it.
