891.20 Mission/8–344: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran (Ford) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 4—5:36 p.m.]
567. Re Depts No. 407 dated July 4. Iranian Government has formally requested that American Military Mission headed by General [Page 424] Ridley be retained here for period of 1 year from November 1, 1944. Reason given for desiring this extension is that mission has certain useful works under way which are important to Iran and which cannot be completed within some months’ time. Government further avows its complete satisfaction with work of mission and requests necessary steps be taken with War Department to have extensions approved.
General Ridley consulted regarding this request feels that if any concession is made to Iranian Government it should not extend beyond March 1, 1945 because by that time all useful work commensurate with his effort will be completed.
While reason advanced by Iranian Government is not particularly compelling one in face of War Department’s stand I nevertheless feel our interests in Iran would be materially served by having mission remain long enough to complete its work and accordingly urge Department’s active support vis-à-vis War Department of compromise suggested by Ridley. He and I concur that should this 4–month extension be granted Iranian Government should be advised now of date when mission will be withdrawn.27
- In a letter of August 14 the Secretary of State conveyed this information to the Secretary of War and recommended that the Ridley Military Mission continue its services in Iran until March 1, 1945 (891.20 Mission/17).↩