891.51A/860: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran (Dreyfus)
530. Department urgently requests Millspaugh and his assistants to withhold resignations pending outcome of important current developments.
At the coming Moscow conference the British and ourselves are to ask the Soviet Government for concrete support of the Millspaugh Mission and Iranian Government.
Steps have just been taken here which should bring about a change in the attitude of the American forces in Iran and full cooperation with you and Millspaugh by the Persian Gulf Service Command.51
Millspaugh should also consider obligations to men who have agreed to go to Iran only upon his assurances or because his mission was there. These include his own assistants, pharmaceutical executive, transportation experts, et cetera, some of whom have resigned responsible positions, relocated their families and made all preparations to depart.
We are fully conscious of the almost incredible difficulties Millspaugh has met and the admirable work he has done in spite of his [Page 542] frequent illnesses. However, for his mission to withdraw at this juncture might be catastrophic for Iran and the whole Allied position in the Middle East. Even though the Mission might be forced to withdraw later, we feel strongly that it should carry on its work as long as possible. If Dr. Millspaugh’s health requires his early resignation we propose to take immediate steps to find a successor for him and would welcome his recommendations.
Treasury Department has suspended negotiations for stabilization agreement.
Please telegraph current developments urgently.