148. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Iran 0

560. Please deliver following message to the Imperial Court:

“His Imperial Majesty, The Shahanshah of Iran.

Congratulations on your victory in the historic referendum on Saturday. Vice President Johnson, following his visit to Iran last August, told me of the warm reception accorded him by your people and their determination to advance and modernize on a broad front. It is therefore all the more gratifying to learn that a vast majority has supported your leadership in a clear and open expression of their will. This demonstration of support should renew your confidence in the rightness of your course and strengthen your resolve to lead Iran to further achievements in the struggle to better the lot of your people. John F. Kennedy.”

White House does not plan release. GOI may release at its discretion. However, would appreciate 24 hours advance notice of intention to release.1

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 788.00/1–2963. Official Use Only. Drafted by Tiger and Bracken, cleared by Rogers and McGeorge Bundy, and approved by McGhee.
  2. In his January 31 response, the Shah thanked President Kennedy for his congratulations, noting “The result of the referendum does indeed reflect the wholehearted approval of my fundamental reforms by the well nigh unanimous vote of the people of Iran. It has increased the faith I have always had in their power of discrimination and their support of my determination to raise their standard of life.” (Telegram 656 from Tehran, January 31; ibid., 788.00/1–3163)