193. Telegram From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State1
Tehran, May 10, 1967,
1248Z.
4458. Shah’s Visit in Suspense.
- 1.
- Upon my arrival at large luncheon given 10th in honor of Ambassador-designate Hushang Ansary, PriMin Hoveyda, obviously in great state of distress, handed me copy of UPI story dated May 9 reporting statements by Chairman Fulbright and Assistant Secretary McNaughton during recent closed-door hearings of Disarmament Subcommittee.
- 2.
- Story quotes Fulbright as saying Iran’s recent arms purchases from Russia and U.S. “are largely to maintain Shah on his throne.” Story says McNaughton agreed arms not scheduled for use “against Russia.” Story said remainder McNaughton’s explanation was deleted. Fulbright said he had been impressed by recent conversation with “very intelligent young man from Iran” who warned that further repression of freedom in Iran is bound to result in revolution. Fulbright quoted as saying, “We are following a wrong course and very unwise one to encourage Shah to maintain complete political control.” McNaughton reportedly agreed Shah has “displayed a good deal of independence.”
- 3.
- During middle of luncheon PriMin was called to telephone by Shah who had just read story and was highly indignant. He told PriMin [Page 362] to ask us for text of McNaughton’s statements which had been deleted. According to PriMin, Fulbright’s allegations were offensive enough but Shah wishes to know what was response of official USG spokesman. Shah told PriMin that until USG attitude is clear his trip to Washington must be considered in suspense.
- 4.
- Both before and after Shah’s phone call, I tried my best to calm Hoveyda down and to enlist his cooperation in bringing Shah down from chandelier. I pointed out that criticism leveled at Shah was relatively minor compared to that to which USG officials themselves, including President Johnson, are subjected. Expressed personal opinion that deleted testimony dealt with Shah’s reasoning for acquiring adequate defense capability. Went on to say that best way to meet criticism reported in UPI story was for Shah himself to tell his story in his usual impressive manner. I asked Ambassador-designate Ansary to assist also.
- 5.
- Naturally cancellation of Shah’s Washington visit can have untold adverse repercussions in our relations with this country. Hope Dept can provide us soonest with gist, if not text, of McNaughton testimony and that it will be of nature to put issues Fulbright raised in better perspective. In addition it would be helpful to have other testimony favorable to Iran given by official USG spokesmen. Finally, it might be worth sending us for relay to Shah some personal words of friendliness from Secretary or even President.
Meyer
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 IRAN. Secret; Immediate; Limdis. Passed to White House and USIA.↩