891.105A/7–2144: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran (Ford) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:30 p.m.]
520. British Chargé d’Affaires Lascelles today told me his Foreign Office is seriously concerned because Timmerman’s22 death has left Iranian municipal police without foreign adviser. As Allied power responsibility [responsible?] for security in Iran he said British Government feels definitely that an adviser is needed. It would prefer an American but if this were not possible would suggest a Swiss or Swede. (He referred in passing to good work done by Swedes when in Iran some years ago.)
I said Iranians had not asked us to replace Timmerman and that in view of campaign against American advisers we had not thought it advisable to raise question. Personally however I felt that it might be helpful if Lascelles would inform Iranians of British interest in matter and inquire regarding Government’s intentions.
I understand British have suggested to Schwarzkopf that he might take over municipal police in addition to Gendarmerie. Although hesitant about assuming more responsibility he believes he could do so if given five additional assistants.
If British in fact approach Iranian Government I think it probable latter would agree to request new American adviser or extension of Schwarzkopf’s operations and it seems preferable to allow British to take initiative. Can Department give me for communication to Lascelles statement of its attitude if Iranian request should be forthcoming?
- L. Stephen Timmerman, American City Police Adviser to the Iranian Government.↩