Office of the Historian

761.91/1–1845

Memorandum by the Secretary of State

secret
[Washington,] January 18, 1945.

Memorandum of Conversation

Participants: Iranian Minister called upon Mr. Stettinius

Copies to: NEA, U, A–D, Mr. Bohlen, Mr. A. Hiss, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Savage ME

The Iranian Minister called upon me at his request today. He said that he had been instructed by his Government to call upon me and to call to my attention the great concern that the Persian people had relative to the attitude and actions of Russia toward their country. They were very apprehensive and hoped that the United States would take a firm hand in insisting on a strong independent Iran at the forthcoming Conference.

I assured the Minister that we had constantly in mind the welfare of the Persian people and that I was confident that the President in his forthcoming conversations with Churchill and Stalin would constantly keep their interests in mind.

The Minister then stated that he had been instructed by his Government to offer the facilities of his Government for the forthcoming meeting of the Big Three. I told the Minister that we greatly appreciated this gesture of friendship and I would immediately pass on this kind offer to the President.

The Minister seemed very pleasant and cooperative.

[Attachment]
[Washington,] January 18, 1945.

Mr. Secretary: The Iranian Minister wants to emphasize to you his Government’s fear that Russia will use forceful methods to obtain concessions and political control in the northern part of his country. Iran hopes the United States and Great Britain will support Iran’s independence at the forthcoming high level conversations.

We have already assured the Minister that you and the President are well aware of the situation.

George V. Allen