Office of the Historian

238. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Warnke) to Secretary of Defense McNamara1

I–11962/67
Washington, October 4, 1967.

SUBJECT

  • Soviet Arms for Iran and the U.S. Military Advisory Role

I have just approved the broadening of ARMISH/MAAG Iran’s role to include advising the Iranian ground forces on the organization, deployment, doctrine and use of anti-aircraft guns recently purchased from the U.S.S.R. The Shah requested such advice earlier this month, and the Country Team, Stricom and State have strongly endorsed the move as a way to minimize the Soviet presence and influence in Iran. Should additional U.S. personnel be required to discharge these new responsibilities, the Iranians are prepared to underwrite the cost of their services.

We plan to inform selected Congressional leaders of this program and the rationale for its adoption at an appropriate time.

Paul C. Warnke
  1. Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD Files: FRC 72 A 2468, Iran 091.3 MAAG, 4 Oct 67. Confidential.↩