891.20/170: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran (Dreyfus)
239. Your no. 282, September 3, 1 p.m. The War Department states that it is unable at this time to undertake the despatch of an American Military Mission to Iran.
[Page 253]The War Department, however, has suggested the appointment of Major General C. S. Ridley, an engineer officer with wide experience including duty as Governor of Canal Zone and Chief of Puerto Rican Hurricane Relief Commission, to succeed General Greely, who will not return to Iran. The future commitments of the War Department will be based largely on the recommendations of General Ridley, who is expected to make a survey of the need for a military mission.
The Department is requesting the Iranian Minister here to ascertain whether the designation of General Ridley is acceptable to the Iranian Government.