740.0011 European War 1939/14205: Telegram
The Minister in Iran ( Dreyfus ) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 21—8:45 p.m.]
98. The Shah at the graduation exercises of the Military Academy made a brief address which is significant because it is his first public statement in the present emergency and since it indicates his appreciation of the gravity of the situation. He declared that officers’ leaves of absence have been canceled and that they will soon understand the reason therefor. He stated that it is necessary for the Army and its officers to take interest in the present situation and if need be to be prepared to sacrifice their lives.