891.51A/10–1144: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Morris) to the Secretary of State
Received October 12—3:10 p.m.
753. [Here follows an account by the Ambassador of certain efforts made by him during his first weeks in Tehran.]
Unfortunately in a perverse manner Millspaugh has opened a battery of criticism again by his ill-judged letter to Ebtehaj attempting to dismiss the latter from his functions as Governor of the Bank. (See telegram No. 748 of October 1036) The Prime Minister sent for me and expressed his great regret at this new development. He stressed very strongly that his own Cabinet might fall under the impact of the controversy made possible by Millspaugh’s action towards Ebtehaj. I told the Prime Minister that I equally regretted this development. I further reminded him that it was his responsibility and that of his Government to decide their attitude towards Dr. Millspaugh. I told him that I would bring forward no opposition and I felt confident the Department would feel likewise about it if it was the decision of the Iranian Government to dispense with the services of Dr. Millspaugh. I made no suggestion that he should do so but merely made it clear what the position of the Embassy would be if Iranian Government arrived independently at that decision. I made it clear that I did not expect to be consulted and would not give an opinion on the retention of Dr. Millspaugh. The Prime Minister thanked me and said he would discuss the matter with the Cabinet. This has been done apparently with the result that the Cabinet itself is afraid of responsibility and is inclined to pass the buck to the Majlis.
Certain guarded publicity has been given in the press to the letter dismissing Ebtehaj. However, there have been no violent polemics on this subject. In some measure this may be due to my earnest and consistent statement to all concerned that I would not brook any further press campaign of a derogatory personal nature directed at Dr. Millspaugh as it involved not only him but the prestige of the United States Government and Americans in general.
[Here follows statement of personal views by the Ambassador.]
- Not printed; this telegram quoted a letter from Millspaugh saying that he had dismissed Ebtehaj as Governor of the Banque Mellie. Millspaugh had requested the support of the Ambassador in this action, and, in answer, the Ambassador had criticized the action and declined to give support. The Department in telegram No. 623, October 17, 8 p.m., concurred in the Ambassador’s reply to Millspaugh. (891.51A/10–1044, 10–1144)↩