891.51A/400: Telegram
The Minister in Persia (Philip) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 1—6:52 a.m.]
59. On August 31 Pakrevan read to me in English the Government’s rejoinder to my note of August 11, which he has been instructed to sign and deliver. It is very sharp in tone as I predicted in my No. 56, August 29. He received my aide-mémoire of explanation and has promised to present it to the Ministry, but he requests me to ask the Department to authorize withdrawal of my note, and thus to thwart what he suspects as purpose to subvert present relations with Russia [America?] by men now in control of the Government whose position is, however, precarious and who are provoking secret opposition. Pakrevan informed me that the Government had resolved, probably at the instance of the Shah, to negotiate in the United States for the employment of some eminent expert in finance, and that it had declined to receive proposal to nominate … to the post.
I would advocate without hesitation recall of note of August 11 if I were convinced that such course would forestall possible break in good relations and thwart designs of men now in control of Government. Under present circumstances I should be disposed to withdraw note if Persian Government will accept stipulation that the United States Government may in future renew expressions contained in note. If Department inclines to this course I should be glad to have instructions without delay.
Taghi Zadeh, with whom I have discussed present affairs, thinks conditions will not continue as they are. He also told me he hoped note would be recalled by Department.