891.00/1917: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 2—5:10 p.m.]
4906. Department’s 4143, August 29, 7 p.m. The substance of the second paragraph of the Department’s telegram under reference has been conveyed to Minister Taqizadeh in an informal confidential talk. Mr. Taqizadeh appeared to be genuinely touched by the Department’s feeling toward him and estimate of him.
[Page 251]In the course of this talk Mr. Taqizadeh explained that the portfolio of Finance had been offered him by Ahmad Qavam in a personal message. It was declined for reasons of health by Mr. Taqizadeh in a personal message which however was delayed almost a week in transmission. Ahmad Qavam not having received an early reply assumed that Mr. Taqizadeh would accept the position and before Mr. Taqizadeh’s reply reached him made public his name as Minister of Finance.
Mr. Taqizadeh does not appear at all physically strong. He underwent an operation in December of last year from which he clearly has not recovered. He is still receiving regular treatments. He stated frankly that he could not have these treatments interrupted and moreover did not feel that he had the strength to fill a post as exacting as that of Minister of Finance. Judging from his appearance it would be some time before he recovers any measure of strength.
Mr. Taqizadeh mentioned the fact that Kazemi had been made Minister of Finance. He said he had taken an interest in Kazemi for years and that he had been responsible for Kazemi’s appointment as Under Secretary of Finance when he was Minister of Finance. He said he had a high regard for Kazemi’s ability.
He also said that he intended writing Kazemi emphasizing how important and desirable it was that he do everything possible to further the work of the American financial mission. Mr. Taqizadeh has expressed the wish to talk to the members of the American financial mission in case they should come to London on their way to Iran.