800.8890/1076: Airgram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Iran ( Ford )
A–26. Despatch no. 786 of January 7, 194414 enclosing translation of note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated December 15, 1943. Your inquiry with respect to increasing transportation facilities for moving Iranian exports to the United States has been discussed with the appropriate officials of this Government. While wartime restrictions control with respect to nonessential cargo, we are informed that the only large tonnage item that has not been lifted from Iranian ports in recent months is wool, which we have not bought because the [Page 499] Russians and British wanted it for essential purposes. A proposed wool quota of 3,000 tons was approved with a D rating on March 8, 1944 by the Shipping Priorities Advisory Committee, and it is believed that shipping facilities will be provided for this.
While shipping facilities in that area are now easier and a shortage of shipping space may not be a problem, there are other aspects that have to be considered such as the need for avoiding port congestion and delay in getting vessels to other points. For these reasons shipping authorities have to exercise discretion in accepting goods for shipment. It is believed, however, that little difficulty should arise except in cases of large shipment of a thousand tons or over which are more likely to cause a delay in the movement of vessels. As port congestion is reduced, and it is understood it has been reduced in that area, there should be less danger of larger tonnages delaying vessels.
Information with respect to probable amounts of goods available for shipment would be of interest to the shipping authorities here.
All efforts, consistent with necessary wartime controls, will be made to move goods offered for shipment.
- Not printed.↩