891.6363/11–2244: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 23—10:46 a.m.]
4459. ReEmbs 4438, November 20, 7 p.m. On November 20 the British Ambassador sent a letter to Molotov inviting a clarification of Russian intentions in Iran. He pointed out the reports received from Tehran at the time of the resignation of the Saed government indicated that for the time being the Soviet Government did not intend to press further the question of oil concessions in northern Iran but that Kavtaradze’s continued presence in Iran and the tone of certain press articles on the situation there seemed to indicate otherwise. His Government felt some concern on this account, he wrote, because it was of real importance in their view that the cosignatories of the Tehran Declaration should pursue a policy toward Iran conceived on similar lines and followed in consultation between each other. The letter pointed to public expressions of uneasiness in England about this situation and suggested that Soviet Government let it be known that it had agree[d], in common with the Governments of the United States and United Kingdom, that the whole question of oil concessions in Iran should now be left until after the war.
Communication was the result of further exchanges which the British Ambassador had had with his Government over the week-end.
Sent to Department, repeated to Tehran.