891.6363/860: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran ( Ford ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 16—1:58 p.m.]
432. From Leavell. Any assistance that could be rendered to Curtice and Hoover in advancing their priorities would be exceedingly helpful in the negotiations here as negotiations are at a standstill until their arrival and the American position is steadily deteriorating for reasons mentioned in previous wires and the fear by Iranians that London negotiations may either divide the territory between Americans and British or turn it over to the British. Please cable if Sinclair have delivered final bid in their name to Hoover and Curtice. If they have failed to do so it would appear on information gathered here that they are delaying matters in order to learn what the other bidders for the concession have submitted which information can be secured through leaks here. Any instructions as to policy to be followed here would be greatly appreciated.
Believe concession can still be had for American company if no delays by Sinclair and if concession does not get entangled in Millspaugh Mission controversy. [Leavell.]