891.77/5–2945: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran (Ward) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:35 a.m.]
356. Embassy’s 347, May 26. Minister of Foreign Affairs summoned me to Foreign Office this morning and requested that American personnel now engaged in operating railway continue its work for “2 to 3 months” for purpose of acquainting Iranian replacements with their duties. He stated that progress of Iranian replacements would be appraised towards end of this period and if they are then found insufficiently acquainted with duties matter of continuance of American personnel will be discussed at that time. Sepahbodi added that it is his hope that American troops will not leave Iran prior to departure of other foreign troops.
[Page 374]Should Army be disposed to accede to this request Embassy suggests that in order record may be perfectly clear it be instructed to request written confirmation.
Commanding General PGC is being informed of Minister’s request.39
- In telegram 373, June 2, 1945, 10 a.m., the Chargé in Iran advised that the Persian Gulf Command would assign approximately 200 officers and men to act in an advisory capacity on the Iranian State Railway for about 60 days on written request by the Iranian Government (891.77/0–245). In telegram 424, June 22, 1945, 11 a.m., the Ambassador in Iran reported that the offer of railway personnel was transmitted orally to the Iranian Government on June 13 (891.77/0–2245). In telegram 502, July 16, 1945, 5 p.m., he reported that the offer was withdrawn on July 13 by the Persian Gulf Command after failure to receive a formal request from the Iranian Foreign Office. The Ambassador concluded: “Commonly stated that Iranians withheld making formal request for American personnel because of apprehension Russians would insist on similar request for Soviet personnel.” (891.77/7–1645)↩