44. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Iran1
931. Shah’s Visit. Following is summary security, publicity aspects New York, Los Angeles portions Shah’s visit:
At New York stop 9 June, 30 to 50 anti-Shah pickets, shouting loud and abusive protests, were allowed within 15 feet of entrance to East 78th Street premises where NYU honorary degree awarded. Proximity pickets was result admitted error New York police and situation was corrected before party’s return visit to New York 12 to 14 June, when there [Page 91] were no serious disturbances at Waldorf Astoria or World’s Fair. About 15 pickets were near the hotel. Shah and Empress upset by 9 June episode and Foroughi cites it as only really disturbing episode entire U.S. visit. N.Y. press treatment not overly sensational and prevailing tone favorable to Shah.
During Los Angeles visit, pro-Shah demonstrators, evidently organized by official Iranians (Naficy and Kowsar) outnumbered anti-Shah demonstrators at airport and Ambassador Hotel, were overly boisterous in their welcome, and engaged in some fisticuffs with anti-Shah demonstrators; at least one anti-Shah demonstrator arrested but released on bail.
UCLA commencement ceremonies 11 June proceeded with dignity in spite of major attempts to cause disturbances. There were about 75 anti-Shah demonstrators, of which only 12 Iranians, remainder being “other nationalities” (no further information yet available). These were kept on sidelines, some 150 yards away from ceremony, and their shouts did not disturb proceedings. When Shah started to speak, 5 students walked out but were not able to create disturbance. When some anti-Shah students attempted to unfurl banner, two were removed bodily by pro-Shah student group, which numbered about 50. During ceremony, hired airplane made two runs toward area carrying streamer reading: “Need a fix? See the Shah” (reference was to heroin addiction). Los Angeles police helicopter, which standing by in case serious riot, ascended and drove plane from area. Shah outraged by reference narcotics addiction but deeply impressed effective police action; at 12 June departure ceremony, he asked to see helicopter pilot and presented him with gift. No info yet available re renters of plane except they said to be “students” and paid $250 for rental.
Los Angeles press publicity, while predictably sensational (referring to “dogfight” in air over UCLA, stressing Empress’s extravagant shopping sprees) probably not, in sum, detrimental.
On balance, it appears from info presently available that Shah, though upset with New York picketing and L.A. plane episode, does not hold USG responsible or suspect these incidents result of any official policy protection anti-Shah elements. This does not however preclude strong representations by GOI officials both here and in Tehran, and foregoing details are provided to help you deal with such approaches following Shah’s return to Tehran 17 June. We shall attempt to run down further specific details of anti-regime activity and investigate possibilities of legal or administrative action.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 IRAN. Confidential. Drafted by Tiger; cleared in draft by Chief of the Division of Protective Security Keith O. Lynch, Deputy Chief of Protocol Chester C. Carter, Joseph W. Reap (P), Donald A. Wehmeyer (L/NEA), and Deputy Administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs Charles H. Mace; and approved by Bracken.↩