740.0011 European War 1939/15229
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State
The British Chargé d’Affaires, Sir Ronald Campbell, came in to see me this morning at his request. He first handed me a memorandum of an oral communication, which is hereto attached,42a to the effect that the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs had received my suggestion that the British and Soviet Governments might very well consider emphasizing the temporary nature of the measures they have taken in Iran and their determination to restore full sovereignty and independence to that country after the war. In this confidential memorandum the British Foreign Secretary points out that while it has become necessary for the British and Soviet Governments to advance farther into Iranian territory than had been contemplated, the present projected military movements in no way run counter to the statements already made by the British and Soviet Governments regarding their intentions to respect the integrity and independence of Iran. The British Government again takes occasion to emphasize their firm intention to respect the assurances which they have given.
- Not printed.↩