891.002/392: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran (Ford) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:45 p.m.]
1126. New Cabinet, 1125, December 16, is regarded locally as clear victory for Shah who has been able to place his own candidates in a majority of Cabinet posts. Soheily has also gained his ends and strengthened his position by eliminating the opposing elements in the previous Cabinet including Tadayyon, Ahmadi, Bader and Etebar. Tadayyon was apparently dropped because of his summary dismissal of Mayor of Tehran without consulting Soheily who is close personal friend of deposed official. Ahmadi had incurred displeasure of Shah and was regarded in Government circles as too ambitious to be left in a position of importance.
In general new Cabinet while somewhat weaker by removal of such strong personalities as Tadayyon and Ahmadi, appears to be slight improvement over old as far as both general reputation and ability to work together are concerned.