740.0011 European War 1939/30323⅓: Telegram
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 7—10:29 a.m.]
694. Department’s 305, June 26. British Minister, Soviet Chargé, and [myself?] were summoned to Foreign Office today at 11 a.m. to hear views of Iranian Government on question of possible adherence of Iran to United Nations Declaration. Iranian officials present were Prime and Foreign Ministers78 and Minister of Posts.79 Last mentioned, who was probably representing Shah since he is one of Government officials closest to Shah, read a memorandum along following lines:
Begin summary. Present Government since its formation has been considering advantage for Iran of giving additional proof of Iran’s devotion to Allied cause and of demonstrating yet again country’s desire for sincere cooperation by making a new gesture. This gesture [Page 430] should, in Cabinet’s opinion, be Iranian adherence to United Nations Declaration. Such a move has been under consideration since time of Willkie’s visit80 but a propitious moment was not found because the Government, preoccupied by internal questions and faced with famine and epidemic, did not have sufficient strength to take such decisive action in matters of foreign relations. Now that these internal questions have been for the moment resolved the Government feels able to take up the idea again and work for its realization. However, it is essential that public opinion and above all the members of the Majlis be prepared for the step if it is to succeed.
Before approaching the Majlis on the subject the Government would like to be in a position to explain to the Deputies exactly what additional obligations would be entailed and what advantages and guarantees would accrue to Iran by such adherence. Iranian Government therefore requests representatives of the Three Powers to obtain clarification from their respective Governments of the following points:
- 1.
- In adhering to United Nation’s Declaration what new economic or military obligations would Iran assume.
- 2.
- What new advantages, present and future, would such adhesion bring to Iran.
- 3.
- What would be the position of Iran at the peace conference? Would Iran be admitted and treated like other Allied nations and be permitted to participate in all discussions? End summary.
Foreign Minister stated that since his country has already contributed more toward Allied cause than many signatory powers the Government feels Iran should not in any way be placed in an inferior position. I made it clear to the Iranian officials that the essential prerequisite to adhesion was declaration of war on one of Axis Powers. Department is requested to furnish as soon as possible such clarification of the points enumerated above as will enable Iranian Government to explain position to the Majlis. Department is also requested to outline the procedure to be followed in making formal adherence to the Declaration.