800.24591/5–2545: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Winant ) to the Secretary of State

5240. In discussing situation created by Iranian demand for evacuation of Allied Military Forces acting head of Eastern Dept said that Brit are anxious to consult us with view to following common policy and are cabling their Emb in Washington to take matter up with Dept. He said that he had not yet seen telegram in final form and did not know exactly how matter would be presented but that he had no hesitancy in saying that the Brit want very much to withdraw their troops from Iran provided the Russians do likewise. Should the latter not consent to leave the Brit might reluctantly be impelled to remain but in that event they would want to make certain that no room is left for doubt as to where the responsibility lies.

Official observed however that situation is slightly complicated by security problem presented by necessity of protecting Abadan oil installation which is absolutely vital for prosecution of Far Eastern War. Consequently although Brit desire to withdraw from entire Iranian plateau they would doubtless for some time feel it necessary to maintain a certain force in the Abadan area.

Sent Dept 5240 repeated to Tehran as 8 and Moscow as 170.

Winant