289. Telegram From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State1
Tehran, May 29, 1968,
0830Z.
5016. Subj: Shah’s Visit. Ref: State 172125.2
- 1.
- Alam informs me Shah is quite agreeable to dinner on June 11 in place of lunch June 12.
- 2.
- Ansary has apparently succeeded in stirring up a lot of concern here about possible threat to Shah’s personal safety, at Harvard ceremony. According to Alam, Ansary has been to Cambridge and personally walked through the proposed proceedings. These would require Shah pass in procession down a street lined with buildings where students live and to be in very exposed position at ceremonies themselves. FBI, Alam says, believes it very difficult provide proper security measures. I said I was sure Department studying problem very thoroughly and would take every possible precaution. Alam himself leaves June 1 to arrive in U.S. June 3 and plans visit both Washington and Cambridge for personal study of situation. Department will wish no doubt do whatever it can calm Ansary’s fears.
Alam informed me also there has been leak here re Harvard ceremony. Peigham-Emruz, left-leaning small circulation Persian daily, ran story afternoon May 28 referring to a ceremony to be held at Harvard shortly honoring the Shah. No date given. Alam has instructed press here give no further circulation to report and wire service reps also told not to run it. Alam acknowledged leak had occurred at Pahlavi University where Shah’s speech sent for translation.
Thacher