891.24/182: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran ( Dreyfus )
106. Your 119 of April 23. Department has decided upon formal participation in the Middle East Supply Centre.8 There will be military and civilian representation. A member of the Legation in [Page 126] Cairo will serve as interim representative for civilian supplies until a representative is sent out from here.9
Your cable closely reflects opinion here as to organization and functions of Central Supply Committee in Tehran. Department concurs in your suggested alteration (a) but questions alteration (b) in view of above stated decision regarding M. E. S. C. Department believes that the M. E. S. C. including American representatives will have sufficient general knowledge of requirements of the several countries of the Near East and information on effective mechanics of operations to resolve most of the disagreements that might arise between American and British representatives on the local Central Supply Committee. Reference of such disputes to the M. E. S. C. would in no way impair the customary reference of questions and information directly to the Department, and would at the same time fix greater authority and responsibility for handling Near East supplies in the M. E. S. C. which is set up for that purpose.
In view of the above the Department designates you the American representative on the Central Supply Committee in Tehran and requests that you associate yourself with your British colleague with a view to immediate joint action on that Committee.