811.24591/8–345: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 3—11:52 a.m.]
583. Under instructions from London British Chargé Lascelles last night informed MinFonAff agreement had been reached at Potsdam that British and Soviet troops would be withdrawn at once from Tehran. In reply to Minister’s query he said British would probably make Qum about 100 miles south their nearest military post and hoped Soviets would withdraw as far as Kazvin roughly same distance west of capital.
According to Lascelles, Sepahbodi expressed deep disappointment at this saying he had hoped for much more sweeping change in situation. He added Iranian people would assume evacuation of Tehran was maximum concession British and American Govts would ever be able to wring from Soviets. Lascelles today advised Soviet Ambassador of his action. Maximov said he still had no official word on subject from his Govt. He inquired regarding American plans and remarked that “of course” Russians would not withdraw unless Americans did likewise.
Lascelles says British are prepared to begin retirement as soon as Russians but not before. He anticipates military will be leisurely about movement unless prodded but says his Embassy will do all it can to hasten things. In any case he thinks shift will require some weeks to complete after it starts.
Both Soviet and British Embassies appear to think arrangements should be concerted by mixed commission composed of representatives of American, Soviet and British Armies and Embassies here.
Sent Dept 583, repeated London 41, Moscow 178.