58. Telegram From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State1

521. Embtel 508.2 Tehran remains quiet following public announcement Khomeini exile. Mass communications media refer fact of exile (but not venue) and also report Khomeini recently “highly critical” Status Bill. Some closure Tehran Bazaar yesterday and [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] half Tehran Bazaar closed today at 0900. No incidents reported at Qom Nov. 4 and 5 (to 1100). Special forces group alerted yesterday to full standby status but released from alert 1030 today. One army battalion sent to Qom as precautionary measure. Security authorities do not expect any serious trouble.

Although GOI had watched Khomeini closely since his release from confinement last spring, it probably would have continued to tolerate his speeches and leaflets as long as his political comments avoided outright subversion. However, his reported call for govt overthrow and related attempt suborn armed forces was straw that broke camel’s back.

What is unusual is relative moderation of punishment (exile) when considering GOI action against persons committing similar offenses in past. Nevertheless, since govt has not really explained why he was exiled, widespread impression undoubtedly exists that it was only because of his criticism of Status Bill and $200 million US loan. This is unfortunate [Page 114] and further involves US in conflict between govt and opposition, in which privileges for US military personnel have been seized upon as issue on which govt is most vulnerable.

Govt is now making concerted effort to link Khomeini with foreign enemies. After PriMin’s reference to “fifth columnists” making trouble over the Status Bill (in his Senate speech last Saturday), press is now rather more explicitly linking Khomeini and Nasser. Thus New Iran Party newspaper in connection with Khomeini exile says “enemies of Iran casting covetous eyes on Khuzistan and the Persian Gulf are trying to disturb the peace in Iran through their paid agents and hirelings.” Ajang recalls that last year Khomeini’s statements were broadcast over Radio Cairo. Paper even accuses Khomeini of having joined in the call to apply the name Arabian Gulf to the Persian Gulf. Poste Tehran says Khomeini was prepared to give Iranian oil to Nasser.

Rockwell
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 23–9 IRAN. Confidential. Repeated to Ankara, Baghdad, Cairo, CINCMEAFSA for POLAD, Jidda, Karachi, and Kuwait.
  2. Document 56.