Matthews Files
Matthews Notes 1
1. Austria-Yugoslav. Must agree on boundary for purpose of admin. Note.
2. Bulgarian & Hungary Control: Com:
3. Reparations tomorrow
4. Iran.—
Oil—no dispute on Sov. to get oil from N. Persia. No obstacle on Rus. concession if & when Pers. are prepared to negotiate. We should all make it known we will not press matters further until Allied Troops withdrawn. We prepared to issue statement prepared to withdraw troops earlier pari passu—when supply route closes. Would show world prepared to carry out Teh2 decl.
Mol: Eden has 2 pts—different 1. Oil 2. Troops. Troops question new. If necessary to change agreement must be studied & some time needed.
Oil—What was beginning? Negot began by asking Pers. govt attitude on concess N Persia. Answer was attitude would be most favorable Dep. Com Kav3 went to Iran. Conversation with first position of Said & Shah both favorable. Seemed not only U.S.S.R. but Persia also inter. Would be econ. assistance to Pers.
Something has changed. No time for details but Govt. said would not continue discussions Persia during war. Mejlis would not discuss. Said decision was taken in a hurry. Why not now a third phase. Why can’t Pers. govt change position again. Trying to persuade them thats all. Kav. has returned home & method which might seem strong has changed. No negot. now but reserve right to take. Why special attention now? Why not let things go their way. Situation not acute.
S. We have no treaty with Our oil concessions also advanced stage & were in same position. Supports Eden on troop withdrawal. Willing to wait till war’s end on concess.
Eden : Reiterates no oppos. to Soviet concession. Does believe some statement might reassure Pers who were frightened at one time and make negotiations easier.
On troop withdrawal no change in treaty necessary. Would help reassure Pers & therefore negot.
Mol: Thinks we should limit ourselves to an exchange of views Might bring in Kavtaradze—he is here in Crimea.