791.003/107: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Houghton) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 27—6 a.m.]
86. As a result of discussion of Department’s 99, April 25, 6 p.m., with Foreign Office, following is memorandum of telegraphic instructions being sent to Clive:
“The United States Government suggest the one way to meet situation is first to urge Persian Government to postpone exercising penal jurisdiction over foreigners until modern penal system, which has been proposed, effectively enters into force; and, secondly, the United States Government inquire as to feasibility of representations at Teheran in early May to induce Persian authorities to promise this postponement in the official note to be addressed to the Legations as proposed by the British Minister.
“Though Persian Government’s previous attitude makes it doubtful whether they would accept continuation of capitulatory system after May 10th in our case, do you consider that joint representations by numerous missions might have effect; if so, you may, in conjunction with your United States colleague, and such others as are prepared to act with you, address Persian Government in above sense early in May.”