888.2553/4–354: Telegram
No. 450
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom
(Aldrich) to the
Department of State1
priority
4343. Limited distribution. At Caccia’s request Embassy officer met with British group including Caccia, Maud and Playfair at Foreign Office today to discuss proposed communication to be made to Iran Government by Ambassadors Henderson and Stevens. British agree presentation should be made by two Ambassadors in successive interviews but strongly favor presentation identical statements (aside from small textual differences mentioned paragraphs 1-a and 1-b Tehran’s 20402). British group unanimously expressed view, however, that Ambassador Henderson’s suggested changes for paragraphs 4 and 5 of proposed statement were not acceptable. They did not give details but commented these changes would “accentuate differences” between US and UK whereas text (Embtel 43113) in drafting of which they pointed out Hoover had participated, was intended put US and UK as close together as possible.
Embassy officer made it clear that Hoover in transmitting draft to Department and Tehran had taken position we were forwarding draft without any recommendations pending receipt Ambassador Henderson’s and Department’s comments.
Since Hoover has meanwhile proceeded Tehran and will probably see Ambassadors Henderson and Stevens tonight, it was agreed Foreign Office and this Embassy would telegraph urgently suggesting he and two Ambassadors attempt work out revised draft [Page 976] soonest for submission Foreign Office and Department for approval. British expressed hope Hoover in discussing matter with Ambassadors Henderson and Stevens could give details re meeting here reported Embtel 4311 and explain background of British thinking re draft. Embassy representative of course made no commitment on this point.
British stated (apparently for first time) that AIOC would not initial memorandum of understanding with companies until foregoing clarified between US and UK Governments. In this connection, companies met yesterday morning, received another revision of memorandum of understanding yesterday evening, and are meeting again this afternoon to discuss it and if they agree, forward it to their home offices for necessary approval which it hoped forthcoming over weekend.
Department’s understanding (paragraph 3, Department telegram 51354) re statements to press correct and is shared by British.