891.00/1959: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran (Dreyfus)
363. Your 412 and 413, December 3 and 424 and 425, December 8. As we have previously indicated, Department favors maintenance of Qavam cabinet and its strengthening in any way feasible. From your reports we gather you concur in the view no gain is to be expected from a change in Prime Ministers.
Of the steps being considered by the Shah, our thought is that a reform of the Qavam cabinet would be preferable to a change of government. We should like at the same time to have your views on the possible effect of a dissolution of the Majlis upon popular feeling. Do you believe new elections could or should be held?
We have already urged British Government to arrange for loan of wheat from nearby territories. British Embassy here advises 3500 tons Iraq barley being sent. Foreign Office has also instructed Minister of State Casey to attempt shipment of 3000 tons of wheat from military stocks in Iraq or from India. British say they can do no more at present, but we are repeating our representations.