Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1941, The British Commonwealth; The Near East and Africa, Volume III

811.20(D)Regulations/2781: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran ( Dreyfus )

Washington , June 20, 1941—5 p.m.

43. Your no. 59, June 16, 2 p.m. Supplies of aluminum and copper in this country are scarcely adequate to meet the essential defense requirements of the United States and of those countries which we are assisting in resisting aggression. Therefore, their exportation and domestic use have been severely curtailed. Under these circumstances, it is extremely unlikely that aluminum or copper could be found available for exportation to Tehran.

Department’s no. 30, May 10, 7 p.m. Please endeavor to verify Acting Foreign Minister’s statement that desired aluminum and copper tubing are not for sale nor re-export and to ascertain purposes for which the Iranian Army desires these materials.

Hull