891.00/1959: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)

6232. Tehran reports political situation has grown worse largely due to obstruction by Majlis. Worsening food shortage has brought on new crisis which threatens to cause fall of Qavam cabinet or dissolution of Majlis. Widespread rioting occurred in Tehran December 8.

As we have repeatedly stated, Department strongly favors continuance in power of present cabinet, even though it may be unsatisfactory in some respects, rather than a change to another group which might prove even more unsatisfactory and which would command even less popular support.

Please communicate substance of above to Foreign Office and let us have any comments British Government may care to offer in this regard.

Please also advise Foreign Office our reports indicate food situation in Iran still deteriorating and we hope British authorities will press their efforts not only with respect to shipment of wheat from North American ports but also in connection with possible advances of grain from near-by territories in Middle East.

Hull