891.00/6–2045: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 20—6:45 a.m.]
416. Prime Minister Sadr yesterday spoke to me about what he called serious if not disastrous Iranian political situation. He asserted majority in Majlis57 is under British influence while Soviets dominate minority group with result that Iranians are battered between the two outside forces and unable manage own affairs or even set up govt that will last. In effect, he said, British and Russians each seeking to further own ends and using Iranians as tools and whipping boys.
Sadr said he feared failure to remedy this situation would produce disaster here and serious repercussions abroad. He expressed strong hope US Govt would feel able in expected conversations with British and Soviets to urge policy of leaving Iran completely free to handle internal affairs without foreign interference. He stressed that Iran Govt even though imperfect in functioning is nevertheless democratic and should be allowed work out own salvation.
Although not all Iranian political difficulties can be attributed to foreign interference I am inclined agree with Prime Minister and suggest consideration be given to raising this question at Big Three meeting or other early appropriate occasion. Time may have arrived at which it would be helpful to make clear we are aware of foreign intrigues within Iranian political machinery and express our disapproval.
Sent to Dept as 416 rptd to London as 32, Moscow as 128.
- The Iranian Parliament.↩