891.20/255a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran (Dreyfus)
610. A note was received from the Iranian Minister recently stating that the Government of Iran desired the increase up to 30 of the number of officers assigned to the Military Mission of Major General Ridley. A copy was sent to the War Department which stated in reply that no increase would be considered except upon the recommendation of General Ridley, and then only in relation to the needs of Iran as compared with the needs for officers in other theaters. The Iranian Minister was informed of this reply but subsequently, on November 15, asked the Under Secretary for support of the Iranian request.
On November 16 the British Embassy informed us that the Iranian Prime Minister had asked the British Minister in Tehran for British support of the Iranian request for an increase in the size of the Military Mission. The British Minister expressed the view that the increase would be most desirable, and the British Military Attaché, holding similar views, thought that a minimum of 25 American officers would be required to whip the Iranian Army into shape.
We suggest that you discuss this question with General Ridley and let us have your views.