891.51A/1158: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran (Ford) to the Secretary of State
Tehran, June
2, 1944—6 p.m.
[Received June 3—9:10 p.m.]
[Received June 3—9:10 p.m.]
393. Department’s 325, May 25 and my 37 [372], May 26.8 Foreign Minister has sent me lengthy note dated June 1 in reply to our note delivered May 27. Summary follows:
- 1.
- Foreign Minister regrets Washington believes Iranian Government “has been subject to influence and looks upon American advisers [Page 408] in the unfavorable light in which they are regarded by the people and the Majlis”. Iranian Government is entirely favorable to advisers; has supported them in the past and intends to continue its support in the future. It confirms assurances given by former Prime Minister Qavam in this regard. It will defend its American employees against obstructions placed in way of their useful economic and financial measures.
- 2.
- Iranian Government is most grateful that, notwithstanding pressing war needs for manpower, American Government has been willing to allow a number of efficient Americans to accept employment with Iranian Government. Saed is very glad that American Government wishes to devote its influence and available resources to assist Iran and that it considers adviser program as means of implementing this policy. Iranian Government and people look to United States for help and hope to take full advantage of such assistance.
- 3.
- Saed is surprised Department has conceived idea that Iranian Government brought advisers to Iran in order to use them as political buffers. Iranian Government has always intended to employ these Americans for purely financial and economic reforms.
- 4.
- Iran’s desires, which are happily in agreement with those of United States, are, first, that through the American advisers Iranian financial and economic conditions shall be improved; and, second, that friendship between two Governments should be made stronger than ever. Iranian Government is most pleased with existing good relations and Saed will not fail to take any action necessary to maintain those relations.
- 5.
- Legation has been informed of “well-grounded reasons” for public agitation and for press criticism directed at person of Millspaugh. This criticism should not be interpreted as attack against all American advisers. Reflection of this agitation in Majlis made it necessary to find some means of relieving popular concern, and, after consultation with Deputies it was proposed to Iranian Government that Millspaugh should confine himself to his original financial duties, being relieved of his recently added economic powers, which have nothing to do with his contract. There has been no action whatsoever against American advisers, but present situation must be studied amicably and existing defects in operations removed in spirit of goodwill.
Note concludes by expressing hope that friendly solution will be found. Full text by air mail.
Ford
- Latter not printed.↩