891.20 Mission/8–344: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Iran (Ford)
497. Iranian Minister acting under instructions has requested Dept to obtain consent of War to renewal of Ridley and Schwarzkopf contracts for additional year.30 Minister was told verbally that in view of urgent need for trained military personnel this Government would not feel warranted in continuing to lend personnel to Iran for these missions unless it is clearly demonstrated that they are accomplishing important results for Iran and for the war effort. Minister was informed frankly that the officers in charge of these missions are dubious regarding their achievements, a situation due mainly to lack of adequate support from Iranian Government and officials. Dept further expressed opinion that it would not be justified in pressing War for renewal of these contracts unless certain specific recommendations made by the heads of the missions and considered by them as necessary to obtain results are adopted. Minister stated on August 2 that he would transmit these views to his Government by telegraph.
Dept is recommending to War on basis of urtel 567, August 4 [3] that Ridley contract be renewed for 4 months, that is, to March 1, 1945 and that in case renewal is approved immediate notification be given [Page 426] Iranian Government of intention to withdraw mission on that date. A responsible War official expresses opinion that War will be guided by recommendations of Dept. You will be informed of War’s decision.
Before approaching War on Schwarzkopf contract it would be helpful for Dept to have a brief statement from Schwarzkopf setting forth his views and recommendations. Please obtain such a statement and telegraph it to Dept together with your own recommendations.
- The Iranian request regarding the Schwarzkopf Mission was made in note 1081, August 4, from the Iranian Minister to the Secretary of State (891.105a/8–444).↩