Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, The British Commonwealth, The Soviet Union, The Near East and Africa, Volume III

891.6363 Standard Oil/431: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Iran ( Engert )

Washington , May 8, 1940—4 p.m.

52. Your 100, May 5, 9 a.m. The Department has no information indicating that the Standard of New Jersey or any other American company is now actively interested in obtaining an oil concession anywhere in Iran. The question therefore arises why the Soviets should have considered it necessary to state their attitude on the subject at this time. We should appreciate any information you may be able discreetly to obtain which would throw light on this matter.

Hull