701.9111/655: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran (Moose) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 8—1:50 p.m.]
108. From Murray. My telegram 106, October 6, 2 p.m. Rais, the Acting Foreign Minister, this morning confirmed fully the statements of the Shah set forth in my telegram under reference and while he had not yet spoken with His Majesty since the audience, his impression was even stronger than mine that it is the clear intention of the Shah to restore normal relations with the United States without undue delay.
He said the Shah was visibly affected by my expression of hope that “the past might be forgotten” et cetera and that the Shah had replied with a significant Iranian proverb “a new day—a new life”.
Rais then inquired whether the Iranian Government might assume that we would be prepared to appoint a Minister to Teheran in the almost certain event that the Shah decides to appoint a Minister to Washington. I thereupon conveyed to him the suggestion put forward by Mr. Welles before my departure that a simultaneous appointment of Ministers by the two Governments would appear to be the most practicable procedure under the circumstances.
Rais seemed both relieved and delighted at this suggestion which he said would be most helpful. He informed me at the same time that in all likelihood the Shah’s reply to the President’s letter would be ready before October 12 when I expect to leave Teheran. [Murray.]