891.20/173a
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran (Dreyfus)
Sir: There is enclosed a copy of a letter of instructions28 issued by the War Department to Major General Clarence S. Ridley, U. S. A., in connection with his assignment as military adviser to the Iranian Government on matters pertaining to the Service of Supply of the Iranian Army. General Ridley’s personal staff will consist of an Aide-de-Camp and another regular officer of field grade.
Although General Ridley is instructed to report his arrival to the Minister, he is not to be regarded as acting under your direction. He is to be responsible only to the War Department with respect to his technical duties as military adviser in so far as the performance of those duties does not affect political relations between the United States and Iran or between the United States and other countries. It may be noted, however, that General Ridley is instructed to refrain from engaging in diplomatic or political activities.
General Ridley is authorized to use the facilities of the Legation and of consular offices in Iran outside of Tehran for the transmission of messages. Messages to be brought to the attention of the War Department should be marked “Inform War” or “For War”, and the words “From Ridley” should be used to indicate their source.
As you will note, General Ridley is instructed to submit a report to the War Department on the desirability and practicability of dispatching a full American Military Mission to organize and train the Iranian Army.
It is apparent that the success of General Ridley’s Mission depends in large measure upon personal relationships and upon the cooperation of those with whom he comes in contact in the performance of his duties. You will, therefore, lend all proper assistance to General Ridley and cooperate to the fullest appropriate extent in the mutual exchange of information.
Very truly yours,
- Not printed.↩