891.24/218: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran ( Dreyfus )39

191. Your 237, July 17. Department agrees with your view that it would be preferable to handle food matters through a subcommittee of CSC rather than an independent body. Soviet representatives might be invited to sit on subcommittee in advisory capacity if it should be found necessary.

With respect to British Minister’s suggestion that Iranian Ministry of Food be established, Department would authorize you to support this proposal, provided a) you think idea would be acceptable to Iranians and b) you are convinced such a Ministry would increase efficiency in food supply matters within a reasonable time. However, in view of inevitable delays in organization and resulting confusion, we are inclined to think it would be well to postpone any such undertaking at least pending the arrival of an American food and supply adviser.

Hull
  1. Repeated to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom as telegram No. 3460, July 25, noon.