Office of the Historian

891.51A/897: Telegram

The Chargé in Iran (Ford) to the Secretary of State

Tehran, November 12, 1943—2 p.m.
[Received 5:19 p.m.]

1057. My 1032, October 30,69 and 1056, November 11. With passage of income tax law all remaining members of Millspaugh Mission may proceed to Iran and should do so without delay. It is especially urgent that Shields, Breitenbach and Hurst arrive at the earliest possible moment and they should be given first priority in obtaining air accommodations. All three are being engaged under the terms of the 60-man project a résumé of which follows:

  • Article I. Ministry of Finance, upon recommendation of Administrator General, is authorized to employ up to 60 Americans including those already engaged.
  • Article II. Salaries may range from $3,500 to $12,500 payable in the United States and exempt from Iranian income tax. After 1 year’s service in Iran not more than 5 of these men may be increased to $15,000.
  • Article III. Period of service shall be 4 years beginning from date of departure from the U.S. Either party may terminate engagement after 8 months service upon giving 4 months notice.
  • Article IV. Rent, light and fuel or 20% allowance provided by Iranian Government.
  • Article V. Traveling expenses to and from Iran and travel within the country will be paid by Iranian Government.
  • Article VI. In the event of death or disability Government will pay sum equal to 2 years salary and return travel expenses for self or family; if death or disability occurs during last 2 years of contract employee or heirs will be paid only [for] period of service remaining.
  • Article VII. If contract is canceled for reasons other than those mentioned in article VI Iranian Government will deal fairly with employee.
  • Article VIII. For each American director an Iranian deputy director will be appointed at a suitable rank and salary. The Americans will give to “educated and experienced Iranians the fullest opportunity for employment and advancement.”
  • Article IX. Other employment conditions will be in accordance with law of 23 Aghrab, 1301 (the basic law for employment of foreign officials).

Complete text being sent by air mail to the Department.

Millspaugh requests that the Department again approach Irving Brown since he can now be given a 4 years contract under the terms above.

Ford
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