891.20 Mission/10–2544: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Iran (Morris)
634. Iranian Minister acting on instructions has formally requested Dept to endeavor to obtain War consent to the continuing of the Ridley Mission contract for additional year. Minister states that there are many projects which will not be finished by March 1, 1945, while on the other hand the need of Iran for a well organized armed force justifies and necessitates the continuance of the mission.
Dept is impressed with the Iranian Government’s views and desires to reopen the question of the termination of the Ridley Mission on March 1, 1945. As stated in Dept’s 462, July 3139 a primary consideration in our policy toward Iran is a desire to strengthen that country so that it can maintain internal security and avoid the dissensions and weaknesses which breed interference and aggression. A cornerstone of this policy should be the building up of Iran’s security forces. In view of these considerations Dept is requesting War to reconsider its decision to terminate the Mission on March 1.
However it must be remembered that War decision to terminate the mission was based largely on General Ridley’s strong recommendation. Consequently it would greatly strengthen Dept’s approach to War were General Ridley to reconsider his position and so inform War. Please bring Dept’s views to General Ridley’s attention and urge that he consider the question in the light of policy toward Iran expressed in Dept’s 462. You might say that while the limited objectives of the mission as originally conceived may be largely accomplished by March 1, the more important objective of building up Iran’s security forces to the point where they can maintain internal security after the withdrawal of foreign forces has only been begun. In addition to these practical considerations the withdrawal of the mission against Iranian desires at the very time when the Iranian Army will have to meet its crucial test might have unfortunate psychological and political repercussions. While Dept hopes that General Ridley himself would be willing to continue as head of the mission, a replacement could be considered if he should insist on coming home.