Office of the Historian

740.0011 European War 1939/15972a: Telegram

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

Washington, October 11, 1941—6 p.m.

109. The Department desires that Moose58 visit Tabriz and such portions of the Tabriz area as you and he may deem it desirable and possible for him to visit for the following purposes:

1.
To ascertain discreetly the nature of the Soviet occupation with particular reference to separatist movements and to the treatment of the local population.
2.
To ascertain the present state of construction and condition of the railway line between Kazvin and Tabriz as well as plans for completing and improving it, with particular reference to the future transport thereon of lease-lend supplies.
3.
To discuss with American citizens in Tabriz their problems and prospects.
4.
To make a preliminary and discreet investigation of the availability of consular office and living quarters in Tabriz. For the strictly confidential information of the Legation and the Consulate, the Department is considering the reestablishment of a consulate at Tabriz and sending an additional officer to Iran for that purpose.

The Department deems it highly desirable that this visit be made without unnecessary delay, and you should take every appropriate step to facilitate it. Upon Moose’s return, reports on the above matters are desired by telegraph.

The entire journey should occupy about 10 days, but unavoidable delays may occur en route and the actual time consumed must of course depend upon circumstances. An exhaustive investigation of conditions cannot of course be expected in the time at Moose’s disposal, but the Department does desire to receive without loss of time an accurate general statement of conditions with such detailed information as can be readily obtained.

Moose is authorized to direct an employee of the Consulate to accompany him. Transportation expenses and per diem of Moose and employee chosen and travel by automobile authorized under Notes 6 and 20, Section V–44 of the Foreign Service Regulations.

Hull
  1. James S. Moose, Jr., Second Secretary of Legation in Iran.↩