123 Hurley, Patrick J./119: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Egypt (Kirk)

1777. For General Hurley. It was originally intended that you take up a temporary assignment at Tehran during Dreyfus’ proposed [Page 411] absence. As you know, he was unable to avail himself of leave and is still at his post. Nevertheless, we feel that you can perform useful service in Iran at this time. It is not proposed that you assume charge of the diplomatic mission. Rather it is desired that through consultation and discussion with the appropriate American civilian agencies, such as our Legation at Tehran, the Lend-Lease representative there, Landis at Cairo, and through informal talks with the military authorities in Iran, you can assist in bringing about a greater degree of coordination and cooperation among the American agencies in Iran. We should also like to have you see what can be done in effecting closer cooperation among the American, British, Soviet and Iranian agencies there.

Some of these questions can doubtless be settled or adjusted informally on the spot. When this cannot be done we shall welcome your comments, suggestions, and recommendations as to action from Washington. Obviously it is impossible to indicate definitely the length of this assignment. We contemplate, however, that your special mission can be accomplished in a few weeks.

You might find it helpful, on arrival at Tehran, to review the Department’s memorandum on American Policy in Iran.51

Hull
  1. Dated January 23, p. 331.