891.00/12–2045: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Iran ( Murray )

742. For your information in discharging Secretary’s instructions; of Dec 20 from Moscow, Dept on Dec 8 made informal representations, [Page 508] to Iranian Ambassador similar to substance of Embtel 4229, Moscow, Dec 20. In frank and friendly terms, Henderson emphasized apparently urgent need for social and economic reforms in Iran, particularly creation of provincial councils. Representations were based upon desirability of strengthening international position of Iran as enlightened sovereign state. From reaction of Ambassador, Dept assumes that Ala has forwarded Dept views to Iranian Govt.

Sent to Tehran, repeated to Moscow.

Acheson