811.24591/5–2645: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran ( Ward ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 26—6:25 a.m.]
347. In letter received today General Booth35 informs me he has received orders from War terminating PGC mission as of June 1 and directing return of operational control of transportation facilities to British.36
Embassy has further learned informally that orders direct winding up of all PGC affairs by July 1 by which date entire force is supposed to be ready to leave Iran. I assume this does not apply to custodial units which may be left to look after installations. However it emphasizes importance of early disposal surplus property.37
I am also told informally that both PGC and PAI Force38 have received orders to stop immediately all movement petroleum products from Abadan to USSR. Small quantities other supplies for Russia now en route expected to be moved over railroad next month but it appears no further large shipments over this route are anticipated.
- Brig. Gen. Donald P. Booth, Commanding General of the Persian Gulf Command (PGC).↩
- For documentation on representations by the United Kingdom for the assumption by the United States of financial obligations in the operation of the Trans-Iranian Railroad, see pp. 563 ff.↩
- For documentation on this subject, see pp. 566 ff.↩
- Persia and Iraq Force (British).↩