501.BC/11–2845

The Appointed Iranian Ambassador ( Ala ) to the Secretary of State

No. 2316

Sir: As Your Excellency is aware, Iran is a candidate for one of the two-year non-permanent seats on the Security Council of the United Nations Organization.

The matter was brought to the attention of the State Department [Page 463] a month ago by the Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., of Iran,79 who handed a memorandum on this subject to the Middle Eastern Division.80

I have now received further instructions to approach Your Excellency with the request that, in accordance with the provisions of Article 23, paragraph 1 of the United Nations Charter, attention may be given to my Government’s desire to be represented on the Council and the friendly influence of the United States be exerted in Iran’s favor.

The arguments advanced by my Government to substantiate their claim are to be found in the fact that Iran contributed very considerably during the war to the triumph of allied arms which were seeking the destruction of the powers of aggression and the reestablishment of peace and security on a surer foundation. My country will be able in the future, as in the past, owing to her strategic position in the Middle East, to render further service to the maintenance of concord and good understanding in a very important region of the world.

Moreover, if geographical distribution is to be considered, the Middle East is certainly entitled to representation as a unit and the country in that area which made the greatest sacrifices in the war and rendered the most notable assistance to the purposes of the Allied victory is Iran.

Again, if the Asiatic continent be taken into account, Persia is the only country that played an important part in the world struggle, leaving out China which has a permanent seat.

The record of Persia in the old League of Nations was a good one. She always stood up for the fundamental principles underlying the Covenant, and never sought by compromise or interested motives to advance any selfish aims.

The election of Iran to a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, with the friendly and valuable cooperation of America, will strengthen her political standing at a time when she needs all the power she can muster to maintain her independence and integrity.

If Iran’s candidature receives approbation, Islam will be appropriately represented on the Council by an independent country which has always enjoyed great prestige in the Mohammedan world.

Relying upon the genuine friendship of the United States for Iran and their clear understanding of the situation in the Middle East, I beg to request Your Excellency’s good offices in securing favorable consideration of our candidature for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council of the United Nations Organization.

I have the honor [etc.]

Hussein Ala
  1. This refers, presumably, to the conversation on November 1 between the Iranian Chargé (Daftary) and the Deputy Director of the Office of Near Eastern and African Affairs (Allen) on this subject; memorandum of conversation by Mr. Allen not printed.
  2. Not found in Department files.