740.0011 European War 1939/14815: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:30 p.m.]
331. Your 155, September 5. Iranian Ambassador just called to say he had 3 days ago received from his Government, but had on account of illness been unable sooner to carry out, instructions to bring to my attention disappointment of his Government at the apparent [Page 458] tacit acquiescence of our Government in the Anglo-Russian action in Iran which was so clearly contrary to the principles enunciated by the President and to express the hope that some assurance might be given that the United States Government would interest itself in the restoration of complete independence and integrity of Iran. I informed him of the falsity of the reports, that first our Government had given its approval to the action in question and, second, I had myself indicated such approval to the Turkish Foreign Office. I also acquainted him with the text of the President’s telegram of September 2 to the Shah. He expressed great relief and gratification but added that he hoped that the substance of this message which would otherwise remain in the archives might be made public in some statement or interview by either the President or yourself. I do not know why this matter was taken up with me in this way but I consented to [apparent omission].
2. Saying then that he had carried out his instructions and ventured to speak further on a purely personal basis he expressed his regret that the British had not arranged with his Government for passage of their troops through Iran. He said he was not informed as to what had taken place but that he was inclined to believe such arrangements could be made amicably if only it had been understood that the Russians were not to be brought into the situation. He said that he had complete confidence in good intentions of the British and even if (in a matter which he realized was one of life and death for them) they had felt forced to send troops into Iran, he would nevertheless have confidence in their ultimate restoration of country’s integrity if only they were unencumbered by commitments to the Soviet Government. As it is there are reports that the Russians are establishing their political commissars in the districts occupied by them and beginning subversive agitations. He hoped that the British if only in their own ultimate interests would take steps to restrain such activities on the part of their associates.
Repeated to Tehran.