891.154A/8–1144
Memorandum by the Secretary of State to the Secretary of War
The Secretary of State presents his compliments to the Honorable the Secretary of War and refers to the impending withdrawal by the War Department on August 26, 1944, of the balance of American military personnel serving with the Iranian Road Transport Administration.
The Department of State is seriously concerned over the intended withdrawal, since the services of these American military personnel [Page 347] are required until January 1, if a firm foundation for civilian transportation operations in Iran is to be laid, and at least until November 15 when the critical period of harvest collection will be nearly over. The British authorities have authorized the continued services of a similar number of British military personnel serving with the Road Transport Administration, and the British Government has urged this Government to permit the American personnel to remain. Since the Road Transport Administration is under the direction of an American, a special responsibility rests on the United States to make possible its success.
Reference is made in the above connection to the Secretary of State’s communication of August 12, 1944, addressed to the Secretary of War, enclosing an outline of the policy of the United States in Iran and requesting the cooperation of the War Department in the implementation of this policy. The retention of the services of the military personnel in question would be in keeping with the policy adopted. The consequences of the withdrawal of the personnel and the failure of the Road Transport Administration to maintain grain collections might require, as in the past, considerably larger numbers of military personnel for this work, to avoid disturbances in Iran.
In view of the urgent need in Iran for the personnel in question, this Department recommends that their services with the Iranian Road Transport Administration be continued until January 1, 1945, if possible, or at least until November 15, 1944. Since the date set for their release is less than two weeks off, the need for an urgent reply will be appreciated.