Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Near East Region; Iran; Iraq, Volume XII

360. Memorandum From the Acting Secretary of State to the President¹

Washington, July 24, 1956.

SUBJECT

• Return of Shah of Iran from Visit to the Soviet Union

The Shah of Iran returned from a state visit to the Soviet Union on July 13. There had been some concern regarding the possible damage that might be done if the Shah allowed his trip to be made the occasion for negotiations with the Soviet Union on substantive matters. Although he had previously indicated his intention to avoid such eventualities, his actual performance exceeded our expectations. Politely but unequivocally, he defended Iran’s present foreign policy, including its recent abandonment of neutrality and adherence to the Baghdad Pact. He avoided all substantive negotiations on the ground that such matters would have to be taken up with his Cabinet. He refused to authorize a joint communiqué at the end of the trip.

I agree with Ambassador Chapin that a brief message from you to the Shah, complimenting him on the success of his visit, would be received by him with deep gratitude. As the Shah’s performance may actually tend to strengthen Iran’s present alignment with the West, I think it would be desirable to encourage him by taking note of the astute manner in which he carried out a difficult mission.

Enclosed is a suggested letter from you to the Shah. If you agree, Ambassador Chapin will be authorized to convey the text of this letter to the Shah, mentioning that it will be shortly followed by the signed original and asking that he treat it as confidential.

Herbert Hoover, Jr.²

[Enclosure]

Draft Letter From President Eisenhower to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi³

Your Imperial Majesty: From Ambassador Chapin I have learned of Your Majesty’s return to Iran, and I have been particularly interested to receive your comments and impressions regarding your recent trip. These first-hand observations are of considerable value to the United States Government.

Especially, I wish to offer my compliments on the forthright but astute manner in which Your Majesty carried out a difficult mission on behalf of the people of Iran. The respect accorded by the nations of the World to the position of Iran has been greatly increased by the courageous foreign policies adopted in recent months under Your Majesty’s guidance. I believe that your recent trip has served to confirm this fact.

Please accept my heartiest congratulations on the occasion of your return and that of Her Majesty to your homeland.

Sincerely,

Dwight D. Eisenhower⁴

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 661.88/7–2456. Secret. Drafted by Hannah on July 23 and cleared by Baxter and Crawford.
2. Printed from a copy that bears this stamped signature.
3. Secret. Drafted by Hannah on July 23 and cleared by Baxter and Crawford. Approved by Eisenhower and sent to Tehran for delivery to the Shah in telegram 132, July 25. (Department of State, Central Files, 123–Chapin, Selden)
4. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.