740.0011 E.W./5–1845: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 18—12:38 p.m.]
333. When I called to take leave of Shah this morning he told me Iran Govt had decided send notes to British and Soviet Govts asking them to indicate promptly when they would withdraw their troops from Iran under provisions tripartite Treaty of 1942 which calls for withdrawal within 6 months after suspension hostilities with Germany and associates.
According to Shah Iran Govt considers this 6–month period began V–E Day30 since Russians no longer engaged hostilities with anyone and Japan has denounced treaties with Germany and has ceased to be German associate. Iranian intention is to seek Allied departure before expiration of 6 months if possible.
Shah’s interpretation of treaty does not coincide with my understanding of English text of article 5 as shown in Embassy’s copy and I think it possible planned notes may be withheld or modified if officials familiar with treaty give closer consideration to matter.
Shah did not mention withdrawal of American forces.
Sent to Dept as 333, repeated Moscow as 103, London as 21.
- May 8, 1945.↩