111.752/12–2445: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:34 p.m.]
1176. Embtels 1136, December 16 and 1159, December 20. It is in my opinion entirely inadmissable that Russians are permitted to delay or refuse permission for American officials to visit northern Iran. Iran is not only fully independent but Tripartite Pact states that presence of Soviet forces does not constitute military occupation. Minor has been marking time for 13 days receiving unconvincing and evasive replies such as that Soviet Chargé is absent or ill or that a reply is being awaited from the Soviet Commander at Qazvin. This is typical of the embarrassing and indeed highly irregular situation which Embassy has had to contend with since Soviet occupation. Since Russians are now giving permits to visit Tabriz with only usual [Page 512] routine delays one can only assume that they are anxious to prevent Minor and also Young from visiting Gilan where it is rumored a movement similar to that of Democrats in Azerbaijan is about to be launched. Two American journalists have also tried unsuccessfully to obtain travel permits.
I strongly recommend that Department approach Soviet Government with demand that American officials and journalists in Iran be granted permits to visit northern Iran within 24 hours of application. Department may wish to consider granting visas etc. to Russians on basis of reciprocal treatment of American officials in matters of this kind.
Sent to Department, repeated Moscow 366.