891.20 Mission/12–2744
The Secretary of War (Stimson) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: I have your memorandum of December 21, 1944, setting forth the urgent political reasons for the continuance of the American Military Mission to the Iranian Army and asking that consideration be given to the request of General Ridley, the Chief of this mission, for the granting of a priority for the allocation of military supplies required by the Iranian Army.
In view of the cogent reasons expressed in your memorandum for the continuance of the mission after its present expiration date of March 1, 1945, it has been carefully considered by the War Department and it has been decided that the mission will be continued for an indefinite period after March 1. General Ridley, Chief of the mission, has been informed of this decision.
It is recognized, also, that the protection and advancement of our interests in Iran will require the strengthening of the Iranian security forces so that order may be maintained in this area, where world security might be threatened, after the withdrawal of Allied troops. This Department, therefore, will present to the Joint Chiefs of Staff for their consideration the request for a priority for these military supplies.
Sincerely yours,