891.00/9–745: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:14 p.m.]
701. Following is summary of formal statement on Iranian foreign policy made in Majlis yesterday by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sepahbodi:
Begin summary. Difficulties placed in way of despatch of security forces to maintain order in different parts of Iran are source of all recent disturbances and unfortunate events. Such difficulties should never have arisen. In accordance Tripartite Treaty, presence of Allied troops on Iranian territory does not constitute occupation.
Iran has fulfilled its engagements and Minister of Foreign Affairs does not understand why Iran Govt should not have been free from beginning to send troops or police to any part of country. Allied Forces are in Iran with Iranian permission. They are furthermore forces of friendly powers. Why then should despatch of Iranian troops to the regions in question (northern provinces where there has been rioting and threatened tribal attack) require special authorization or prior advice?
Even if war conditions made such prior advice necessary, end of war has removed reason for it. Minister of Foreign Affairs has instructed Iran Ambassadors Moscow and London to point out clearly lack of necessity for such state of affairs. He is certain that this action will not only remove present difficulties but also lay basis for better understanding among nations concerned. This better understanding should have influence on general relations of Iran’s two powerful friends.
During conversations of Minister of Foreign Affairs with Soviet Ambassador 2 weeks ago, Sepahbodi received certain assurances which were to his entire satisfaction. One of these concerned censorship which has now been virtually abolished. If actions in other fields have not been in accordance with expectations, Minister of Foreign Affairs is sure this should not be construed as lack of sincerity between the two friendly countries but rather imputed to delay in receipt of necessary instructions.
Sooner these questions are adjusted, more friendly relations between the two nations will be encouraged. Iran Ambassador at Moscow has reported he has had lengthy and useful discussions with Soviets with view to strengthening relations.
[Page 403]Iran has asked to be represented in discussions at London regarding manner of evacuation of foreign troops from Iran87 basing this request on article 6 and annex 1 of Tripartite Treaty. Evacuation itself is certain since treaty provides it must take place within 6 months after end of hostilities with Japan. Minister of Foreign Affairs hopes it will be completed sooner but Iranian interests must be safeguarded in connection manner of withdrawal of troops. Although Iran has no treaty with United States, United States Govt has been informed of request made to British and Russians in view of great interest it has in such questions and fact it will participate in London meeting.
Sent Dept as 701; repeated Moscow as 216 and London as 55.
- See telegram 702, September 7, 2 p.m., infra.↩