891.00/9–2745: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:15 p.m.]
773. Soviet Ambassador Maximov who has just returned after several weeks in Moscow called on me September 25 accompanied by his interpreter and remained 2 hours discussing situation in Iran. I had Captain Gagarine, Assistant Military Attaché, as my interpreter.
Burden of Ambassador’s observations regarding Iran was to effect that forces of reaction are in saddle here, that they are persecuting “liberal” elements, that there has been no response on part of Iran govts to friendly efforts of Soviets during past 4 years to bring about an “improvement” in situation, that present Govt, does not appreciate efforts of American advisers and does nothing to assist them and that he had noticed recent articles in 11 Iranian newspapers against our surplus property disposal policy demanding delivery such property to Iran without compensation. Maximov felt all this proved ungrateful and unregenerate attitude of Iranians toward United States as well as toward Soviet Govt. Finally to illustrate duplicity of Iranians he said Seyid Zia ed-Din, political protégé of British in Iran while posing as great friend and defender of Dr. Millspaugh, former American Administrator General of Finances here, had in fact worked secretly to bring about Millspaugh’s failure and departure from Iran.27
My observations in reply were along following lines: While reforms along liberal lines in Iran were of course greatly to be desired Maximov would doubtless wish to bear in mind that the country had only just emerged from ruthless and undemocratic regime of Reza Shah during which liberal elements in country were brutally suppressed, that development or revival of liberal institutions and democratic process here would require patience and sympathetic assistance from us both and that I was sure progress along those lines could be made if we worked loyally together to that end.
[Page 421]As for “ingratitude” and “lack of cooperation” of Iran Govt, to which Ambassador referred, I thought Maximov might wish to bear in mind our own experience in Latin America before Mr. Roosevelt came into office. The smaller nations of Latin America, whether justifiably or not, evinced great fear of United States, their northern neighbor, because of our size and power. Roosevelt addressed himself at once to problem of improving our relations with all powers of our hemisphere and established good neighbor policy. That policy has been pursued faithfully by United States Govt, to mutual advantage of all of us in Western Hemisphere.
I then told him I was sure he would wish me to speak to him quite frankly and as a friend and that I could not properly refrain from mentioning the mortal fear of Soviet Russia which I had observed in widespread circles here. I was sure he would agree with me that there can be no satisfactory relations among nations in future where fear and suspicion have not been dispelled. (He was inclined to play down Iranian fear as mere pretense.) I then recalled great period of Soviet-Iranian friendship after last war culminating in treaty of 192128 which was conceived and executed in spirit of our own good neighbor policy to which I had referred. I earnestly hoped spirit of that liberal instrument which had so heartened all little nations of Near East at the time might once again animate relations between Soviet Union and Iran.
Referring to American advisers, I said Maximov must be aware of manner in which they had come to Iran and I wished to assure him most emphatically and sincerely that no one of them would ever have Embassy’s acquiescence of [or?] permission in any action which might be contrary to legitimate Soviet interests in Iran.
As for Seyid Zia I personally considered him a highly undesirable influence in Iran and one whose attitude was harmful to good Soviet-Iran relations. I had taken occasion to say it to a number of govt, officials including the Shah. Maximov could be sure I would be happy to see Seyid Zia and all his works disappear from local scene. At same time I felt I must point out on other side that it was generally believed here that Russians were supporting Tudeh Party which could not help but have undesirable effect on political situation.
Finally I expressed belief that unsatisfactory political situation in Iran would be greatly improved if economic conditions were bettered and I recalled that Declaration Regarding Iran signed by Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill envisaged economic assistance to Iran by our two countries. I felt that Declaration not only showed mutual agreement and understanding between heads of the three Govts but also provided basis in which he and I could work together to benefit of [Page 422] Iran and our own national interests. It was my greatest wish that at end of my service here, I should be able to look back on record of concrete accomplishment in this country as a result of closest friendly cooperation with Soviet Ambassador.
Whole conversation was conducted on friendly terms and we parted with cordiality.
Sent to Dept as 773, repeated to Moscow 246, London 67, SecdelAm.29