391.1164/128: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran (Engert) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 14—5:43 p.m.]
71. Department’s No. 35, April 3, 7 [8] p.m. Soon after sending my 54, March 28, I happened to see the Foreign Minister and asked him if instead of dealing with the Ministry of Education the American negotiators could not establish direct contact with an official of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. He promised to think the matter over and a few days later informed me that he had designated Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs Amery to handle the entire case for the Government. The American Committee has already had several meetings with him and has found him friendly and anxious to arrive at a fair settlement. I shall therefore not send a note to the Foreign Office for the present.
In a conversation with the Prime Minister this morning, I referred to the school problem. He said if it were only a question of the American schools the Government would gladly reconsider its decision, but as other nations were also involved he feared it was impossible. From his tone and manner I gathered he wished me to infer that there was something in the rumor reported in the Legation’s telegram No. 114, October 9, 1939.94