891.51A/1148: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran (Ford) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 30—1:35 p.m.]
381, Department’s 325, May 25. Note was presented to Prime Minister in person May 22 [27?]. Millspaugh and I had lengthy conversation yesterday with Saed and several Cabinet Ministers but no conclusion was reached.
Essence of situation seems to be that Prime Minister has allowed Majlis and press to get out of hand to such an extent that he now feels it necessary to do something to pacify them. Millspaugh absolutely refuses to listen to any proposal to create new Ministry of Economy or otherwise limit scope of his powers. Saed therefore has asked that he present some kind of written proposal which could be put before Majlis, in other words, provide something for Deputies to chew on and give them impression Prime Minister has been working on Millspaugh. The Doctor has no intention of compromising and intends to insist simply that Prime Minister check present campaign against American Mission and allow him (Millspaugh) to get on with his work.
Report that Majlis had defeated bill to repeal Millspaugh powers proves to have been incorrect (my 322 [372], May 267). Deputies discussed question at length on May 25 but no bill was introduced and no vote was taken. Saed defended advisers in speech at end of session. During session of May 28 Millspaugh issue was not raised.
- Not printed.↩