891.51A/10–1944: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 19—1:50 p.m.]
768. I am informed by an official of the Foreign Office that the Council of Ministers decided that Millspaugh does not have the authority to dismiss Ebtehaj as Governor of the Bank Melli and further considers the charges brought forward by Millspaugh against Ebtehaj as unfounded. However this decision does not appear to have been communicated to Dr. Millspaugh so far.
Despite the Government’s apparent decision not to support Millspaugh in his action against Ebtehaj, Millspaugh wrote me on October 14 which is a date subsequent to that on which the Council of Ministers took its decision. Quotations from Millspaugh’s letter are following:
“I expressed a personal desire to leave about February 1, 1945. It seems to me that the situation has now been altered for the better. Were it not for Mr. Ebtehaj, I would feel that the position of the mission had been strengthened and stabilized as much as one could expect. With his dismissal, opposition and obstruction to the mission will be further diminished if not practically eliminated. Accordingly I feel it is possible for me to defer the question of terminating my services. My contract may be terminated at the end of 3 years by the Government or myself on 4 months’ notice. It is my intention to give such notice about a year from now. I am sure the Department (State) will be glad to learn that I have no purpose of taking any action during the next few months that would have the effect of disturbing the position of the mission. My departure next February or my resignation 2 months earlier would certainly precipitate a situation that would be difficult to handle. I hope you will let the Department know that I am only too glad to cooperate in averting such a major complication.”
From the foregoing it will be seen that Millspaugh has changed his mind and expects to stay here despite the rebuff from the Government received in the Ebtehaj case. He also seems to cling to the belief that Ebtehaj will be removed despite the fact that he must have known when he wrote this letter that the Government had supported Ebtehaj and not him. Millspaugh had further stated prior to the Government’s decision that it was a question of either Ebtehaj or him. He would go if Ebtehaj did not. It looks as though when put to the test, however, that he has not maintained that viewpoint.