Examining the Performance of Millspaugh in Reducing and Stabilizing Prices in Iran (1942-1944)

The occupation of Iran by the Allies in World War II and the forced resignation of Reza Shah caused many political, social, economic and security crises. In such a situation, the parliament and the government of Iran, with the advice and support of England and the United States and with the initial approval of the Soviet Union, considered hiring advisers from the United States to organize the situation and overcome the economic and administrative problems. In this regard, Arthur Millspaugh, who had already come to Iran once as the head of finance and, considering the conditions of the time, had left behind a relatively successful performance, was hired as the head of Iran's finance. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the performance of Millspaugh in reducing and stabilizing prices during the two years of its presence in Iran (1942-1944). The research method in this article is descriptive-analytical and the method of collecting library and documentary information. The results of this research showed that Millspaugh had an unsuccessful performance in adjusting and stabilizing the prices of goods despite his broad authority and all-round support of the Allies so the price of many goods continued to increase during his presence in Iran, and if in goods such as Wheat, rice and some agricultural products show signs of price stabilization and reduction. It is not because of Millspaugh's actions, but  due to the abundance of agricultural products and the determination of the task of war on many fronts in 1944.