72. Telegram From Secretary of State Rusk to the Department of State1

Secto 25. Secretary’s conversation with Shah—Iranian reforms and general foreign policy.2 Secretary, accompanied by Talbot and Rockwell, had one and one-half hour audience with Shah last evening which marked by extreme cordiality and frank exchanges of views. This is the first of six messages reporting conversations. Subjects concerned are: 1) Iranian reform program and general foreign policy (including Viet-nam); 2) Iran’s military policy; 3) Gudarzian case; 4) Bredin case; 5) Fairhurst problem; 6) Iran-Arab relations.

Secretary began by conveying President’s greetings to Shah and stating he knew President would be interested to learn Shah’s views concerning progress of reform program in Iran. Shah gave brief expose along lines familiar to Dept, reiterating such points as that White Revolution is supported by nation with exception minor groups such as reactionary mullahs and dispossessed landlords; that revolution had been achieved without bloodshed and without dispossessing landlord group of their wealth other than land; that land being paid for; that partnership between workers and employers had been established; that literacy corps had been a tremendous success; and that Shah was confident White Revolution would continue to succeed.

During discussion of Literacy Corps, Secretary conveyed message from Sargent Shriver, saying latter would welcome any comments or suggestions Shah might have regarding operations of Peace Corps in Iran. Shah made very favorable comments on Peace Corps volunteers, noting their dedication to duty and the good reception many of them had achieved in this country.

Secretary then took up South Viet-nam, setting forth problems faced by us and factors which made us determined not to be driven out of that country or to abandon its commitments there. Said he believed that maintenance integrity of American commitment to South Viet-nam was important for world peace.

Shah said he completely agreed with Secretary and was delighted to receive this reaffirmation of U.S. determination to stand by Viet-nam. He recalled he had told Pres Johnson that if U.S. pulled out of Viet-nam, free world would lose confidence in U.S. policy and promises, that progress of [Page 134] deterioration would begin in other non-Communist countries of Southeast Asia, Shah added: “In Viet-nam you are doing what you should do.”

Secretary said that he had found Policy Planning Group in the Dept to be extremely valuable. He outlined the advantages of having a group of people who were disconnected from the daily problems and had the time to devote themselves to consideration of long-range issues. He said he would appreciate the privilege of receiving the Shah’s views on long-range problems affecting the Middle East. The Shah was clearly very pleased to have been offered this opportunity for consultation and said that he would be delighted to take advantage of it.

Discussion then turned to specific Iranian and Middle Eastern topics which are being reported separately.3

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, E 12 IRAN. Confidential; Priority.
  2. Secretary Rusk was in Tehran April 7–8 attending the 13th CENTO Ministerial Council session. Briefing material for the CENTO meeting is ibid., NEA/IRN Files: Lot 69 D 490, 1965 IRAN, DEF 4-e-1, Papers for CENTO Ministerial Session in Tehran.
  3. See Documents 7375.