891.91/7–2344: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Iran (Ford)
453. Your 527, July 23. Department welcomes the proposal of the Soviet Ambassador regarding representations to the Iranian Government in the matter of press attacks on the Allies. This is a further helpful sign of Soviet desire to cooperate in matters of mutual interest in Iran. The Soviet initiative appears the more significant since the brunt of these press attacks has been borne by the American advisers. Joint action by the US, U.K., and U.S.S.R. in a matter of this kind would serve to impress on the Iranians the cooperation of the three Powers in Iran and discourage possible efforts to play one against the other.
The Department appreciates, however, the dangers which you suggest and the possible difficulty of finding a common approach with the Soviet authorities in matters pertaining to the press.
Any joint representations made should be worded in a restrained and friendly manner. You should make it clear to the Iranian authorities that the American Government has no desire to restrain freedom of speech or to muzzle the press but wishes to emphasize the heavy responsibilities of the press, particularly in time of war, when criticism of an ally is of material aid to the common enemy.