Office of the Historian

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

Tehran, April 8, 1965, 10 p.m.

Secto 27. Secretary’s conversation with Shah—Gudarzian case. During his audience with Shah April 7, Secretary discussed Gudarzian case at some length. He told Shah that only other matter which had recently been taking up more of his time than this affair was Viet-nam. He expressed opinion that although it has taken a long time, Gudarzian’s days are now numbered. Secretary thought it possible that Gudarzian might flee the country.

Shah expressed pleasure with statements in Senate but revealed that he still lacks comprehension of US legal procedures. Secretary mentioned [Page 136] importance of presence and suitable testimony of Iranian witnesses in US, if Gudarzian is to be successfully tried on criminal charges. Shah made no substantive comment but Aram inquired whether all witnesses had to go. He was told only key individuals would be needed.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 15–1 IRAN. Confidential; Priority; Limdis.↩