701.9111/646: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:50 p.m.]
29. Your 16, March 26, 3 p.m. The Department’s point of view is entirely shared by me and has been strictly adhered to since my arrival. The suggestion contained in my 23, March 8, 11 a.m., was made informally and in response to a definite request that I assist in bringing the matter before the Shah and I am sure our motive was not misunderstood. Either the Premier or the Acting Foreign Minister or both probably lost their nerve at the last moment and said nothing to His Majesty although I know that the entire Cabinet is in favor of reopening their Legation.
While I agree that American interests do not seem to be suffering there is always the danger that the slightest hitch may cause the [Page 731] situation to deteriorate further. This Legation has now for 2 years been rather delicately poised and if indefinitely prolonged its position may become embarrassing.