111.752/1–246: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 3—12:47 a.m.]
3. Embtel 1176, December 24. I do not wish to permit Soviet authorities in Iran to block travel of US Government officials in any part of country. I intend to continue pressing for pass for Capt. Gagarine and for either Jernegan or Ferguson60 now that Minor has departed. I am firmly convinced that we should not allow Soviets to construe Minor’s departure as any weakening in our resolve to send properly accredited American officials into any part of Iran at any time. While pressure of work at this office may not permit any of above named officers to make trip, I see no reason why we should not insist Soviets issue the passes we have repeatedly requested.
- O. Vaughan Ferguson, Jr., Third Secretary and Vice Consul of Embassy in Iran.↩