891.6363/11–3044: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 30—1:35 p.m.]
882. I had a long conversation with the Shah who invited me to come to see him the day before yesterday. His Majesty took occasion to affirm that he had not changed his mind in any way in regard to the Russian concessions. He added that Prime Minister Bayat had given assurance that he would follow the policy of Saed.
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The Shah felt that Iranian policy would be reinforced and made clearly evident if a new government which had not negotiated with anyone on petroleum would come into power and maintain the policy of no negotiation about concessions until after the withdrawal of all foreign military forces from Iran. He felt strongly that it was more logical and defensible to hinge concession negotiations upon withdrawal of foreign troops rather than upon the termination of the war in Europe. He felt the Iranian public would understand and approve this viewpoint.
The Shah’s remarks on other matters were of a general nature and not worthy of comment but I think I should say that his attitude was distinctly more friendly than in any previous audience. I had sent him previously clippings from the American press discussing favorably the Iranian position in the Russian controversy. This had evidently had a markedly good effect and the Shah expressed his satisfaction at the understanding shown in the US in regard to the position of his country in respect to the Russian issue.