891.00/3057: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Iran ( Ford )
342. Your 370, May 24. Department is pleased that Maximov has received instructions from his Government to enter into conversations and that in opening talk he seemed hopeful of results. The emphasis which he placed on an early solution of Iranian food problem was especially helpful. The discussions might well begin with consideration of this vital question, in which there is a definite community of allied interest and apparently a good chance of success. Discussion of such questions before more controversial problems are considered seems best method of procedure. Once atmosphere of confidence is established it is hoped that all three Powers will examine any of their actions in Iran which have not served the best interests of the Iranians and have not been in keeping with the terms of the tripartite pact72 or the declaration on Iran. It is hoped that, by tactful handling, some of the more inequitable contracts with the Iranians, such as that covering the arms factories, may be revised and new contracts of similar kind in the future be avoided.
Department believes it would not be wise to stress at the outset the angle of the American advisers. When the moment arrives to discuss this question you should make clear to the Russians that the adviser program is a means of assistance to Russia as well as to Iran. In developing this program, at Iranian request and insistence, we had [Page 337] prominently in mind its connection with our program of aid to Russia by maintaining the tranquility of the Iranian supply corridor. An additional motive was the idealistic and traditionally American one of assisting a friendly nation which turned to us for help in time of great need. Failure to support the advisers can only result in harm to the Allies no less than to Iran.
With the foregoing consideration in mind your suggestions for the agenda should include items which will not give the appearance of being directed against any particular power but broad enough to enable us to bring up for discussion at a later date any of the points mentioned in the Department’s telegram no. 266, April 30, 1944.
The Department has full confidence in your discretion and ability to handle the negotiations and will welcome your suggestions or requests for guidance.
Repeated to Moscow.73