891.00/1910
Draft Telegram to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)11
Iranian Minister Washington has presented request that Department intervene in dispute between Iranian Government and British Legation over recent arrests of a number of Iranian and Axis nationals suspected of pro-Axis activities in Iran. According to Iranians, British have demanded that accused be turned over to them for investigation and trial. Iranian Government asserts such procedure would be contrary to law and in any case impossible because of aroused public opinion and sentiment in Majliss.
American Minister Tehran reports dispute has become serious. Iranian press and public deeply stirred, taking view Allies have no right to require Iranian Government to make illegal arrests. They demand that arrests be made only in accordance with law and evidence of guilt presented to Iranian tribunal. Our Minister says hatred of British has reached peak. He believes harm done to United Nations cause outweighs value of arrests and says United States is being linked with British in responsibility for arrests, which is injurious to our prestige.
It is understood British Legation has referred matter to London and conversations are taking place between Foreign Office and Iranian Minister London.
Please inform Foreign Office that Department is perturbed by these developments. While we do not have full facts and cannot judge specific merits of the case, we would very much regret any action at this time, except under imperative necessity, which would further alienate Iranian people from cause of United Nations. We venture, therefore, to express the hope that the British Government will find a way to adjust this dispute to the satisfaction of both parties and with as little offense as possible to Iranian popular sensibilities.
In your discretion, you may explain that in view of the present critical situation in the Middle East we feel it would be unfortunate [Page 341] to create the impression that United Nations are following an arbitrary and oppressive policy with respect to any of the Moslem nations. Any such development might very well nullify anticipated effects of Mr. Willkie’s12 impending trip to the Near East and the various other steps which we are taking in an effort to influence Moslem sentiment.