891.00/1916a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
4143. In the Iranian cabinet recently formed by Ahmad Qavam, the Iranian Minister at London, Mr. Taqizadeh, was named Minister of Finance. Department is informed that he has declined the position [Page 250] and it has been filled by S. Bagherr Kazemi, originally appointed Minister of Interior.
Please endeavor to find an early opportunity for an informal confidential talk with Taqizadeh and express the Department’s regret that he found himself unable to accept the post. You may say that this Government was most pleased to hear of his appointment because, knowing his experience and unequaled reputation in Iranian political and financial affairs, we felt that he could render a great service to his country in its present difficult circumstances. In particular, we had been confident that he would know how to make the most advantageous use of the American financial mission which is to be sent to Iran in the near future. We believe that he would have found this mission of great assistance in the conduct of his office and, correspondingly, we are sure he would have been especially well qualified and well disposed to facilitate the work of the mission.
If his attitude appears favorable, you may say to Mr. Taqizadeh that this Government still hopes that at some time in the near future circumstances will permit him to accept a post in the Iranian Cabinet, where, we know, he would be welcomed enthusiastically by the Iranian people.
Department leaves to your discretion the exact wording of your remarks and suggests the above only as an outline for your guidance.
For your information, it is our hope that an informal communication of this nature may induce Taqizadeh to reconsider his decision. He is one of the outstanding patriots and disinterested political leaders of Iran and we believe him to be friendly to the United States and the Allied cause. Kazemi, on the other hand, does not have a very high reputation and is not thought to be well disposed toward this country. Since we feel that the success or failure of the financial mission will depend largely upon the character of the Minister of Finance, we are most anxious to have a man in that post who would have a sympathetic attitude toward the Mission.