891.6363/11–2544: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:39 p.m.]
871. Prime Minister Bayat has told British Ambassador he would follow same policy as his predecessor in regard to Russian desire to obtain oil concession. Ambassador Bullard does not appear to feel confident Bayat will not yield under pressure. Vice Commissar Kavtaradze still here and there is nothing to indicate he does not intend to stay.
Under instruction from Foreign Office Bullard is informing Shah through Court Minister Ala that British Government made representations to Soviet Government with respect to oil controversy and interference in Iranian internal affairs. Bullard says he will not disclose precise terms of representations, but will say Iranian position met sympathetic attention from British public which was shared by his Government. He will further add if any compromise or change of position is contemplated by Iranian Government under Bayat the British Government should be informed immediately. Bullard with consent of his Government is apparently preparing to endeavor to keep Iranian Government firm in policy which Saed adopted.
At present I have impression this is somewhat of personal policy recommended by Bullard and accepted by Foreign Office. He would be happy if we adopted same line. I have no evidence that present Iranian Government has any intention to change its policy towards Russians. In conversation with Court Minister Ala he seemed very confident the Government would continue Saed policy. Same expression of feeling has been conveyed to me by Chief of Protocol and one or two other officials.
I am not inclined to recommend we follow British initiative for moment, at least, unless Department feels once Iranians have been [Page 478] informed of British representations they should know for a matter of our own prestige we likewise intervened on their behalf. I should be glad to receive any comment as to policy to pursue in these circumstances.
Sent Department; repeated London, Moscow.