761.91/9–1845: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran ( Murray ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 18—6:27 a.m.]
741. My telegrams 626, August 19; 649, August 24; 669, August 30; 670, August 30; 679, September 1;7 693, September 5; 701, September 7; 725, September 13; and 731, September 15. In conversation with me September 15, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sepahbodi indicated grave concern over Russian attitude and referred especially to numerous incidents in northern provinces.
He said he had addressed any number of notes to Soviet Embassy here but had not received even an acknowledgment. He had, therefore, instructed Iranian Ambassador at Moscow, Ahy, to express hope that Soviets would refrain from interference with movement of Iranian security forces. Only reply received by Ahy was reference to a note delivered to Iranians by Soviets some time ago (possibly late last year) renewing demand for the granting of an oil concession. [Page 412] Sepahbodi said Soviet attitude all along has been that Iranian requests could expect little or no consideration until oil question is settled.
He added that Russians have taken position in interchanges on this subject that Iranian desire to have detailed terms and conditions set forth prior to granting concession is insulting since Soviet Government, unlike private companies, should be trusted to deal fairly.
Sent Department as 741; repeated Moscow as 141 and London as 60.