891.51A/876: Telegram
The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 26—9:45 a.m.]
1913. From Landis.60 “General examination Iran situation leads to many conclusions, which will detail more fully subsequently, but of prime importance is full support Millspaugh Mission with personnel. Otherwise certain failure to result. To date his requests personnel have not been met nor have men available been given sufficient priority. His are immediate and not a matter of months. Shields on transportation and McDonald [McDormell] on drugs are essential. Both have badly broken down. Substantially no drugs now available save on black market at fantastic prices though many drugs in warehouse. On cereals Tehran today as 3 to 5 days’ food supply which steadily decreasing due to transportation difficulties. Unless deal with Russians for 40,000 tons wheat from Russian zone is consummated quickly, starvation ensues. Bread lines even now forming. If Department’s policy seriously supports Millspaugh it must give concrete evidence of such support. Many prominent Iranians skeptical of us. We talk big but produce little is their comment. Definitive answer future Millspaugh Mission will be made by month end. After that hesitation by Department is suicidal suggest that State should take complete control of all priorities civilian personnel now getting air space to travel Middle East and thus meet first needs first.”
- James M. Landis, American Director of Economic Operations in the Middle East.↩