891.20/208: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran (Dreyfus)
282. Your despatch no. 534, April 27 and Department’s telegram no. 242, May 18. The Department has been informed by the War [Page 529] Department that the proposed act for submittal to the Majlis to authorize the Iranian Government to employ the services of United States Army Officers stipulates that the Majlis may terminate any arrangements concerning any individual entered into under the provisions of that Act upon competent proof that such individual has interfered in the political affairs of the country or has been guilty of a violation of the law of the land.
United States Army Officers assigned to assist the Iranian Government may be said to be engaged in Government work, they must necessarily become involved in the political aspects of the country. In addition, since the Iranian laws are probably quite peculiar in comparison to our laws, our officers may often unknowingly violate the law of the land.
Under such circumstances, our officers would continually be subject to review for their actions by the Iranian Government and the Majlis could for little cause and without reference to the proper United States authorities, cause the discharge of officers so assigned.
It is realized that such a situation may never arise, it is nevertheless a possibility and the discharge of our officers under such circumstances would not be desirable. It may be pointed out that any officer assigned to assist a foreign government is naturally withdrawn when that Government expresses disapproval officially or unofficially of the actions of such officer.
The War Department has requested that steps be taken to have this particular part of the proposed act deleted. It is suggested that if the following language were inserted, the proposed act would be acceptable: “That upon mutual consent of the two Governments, the Majlis etc.”
It is recommended by the War Department that an act enabling the Iranian Government to employ the services of General Ridley and other officers be also submitted to the Majlis for its approval. Such action would materially assist and expedite in the assignment of General Ridley and other officers to assist and advise the Iranian War Department.
The War Department has requested that the agreement constituting a United States Military Mission to assist the Iranian Government in reorganizing its Gendarmerie be expedited as this agreement has been pending for almost one year and the members of the Mission cannot receive any additional compensation from the Iranian Government until the agreement is signed.