891.51A/11–945: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran ( Murray ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 10—3:15 p.m.]
932. Minister Finance Hajir40 has agreed to terms of settlement for American Financial Mission members which are substantially those requested by group and which I consider equitable. However, he asked group to defer final action on resignation until he could discuss with me possibility of retaining mission in some form.
At his request I called on Minister November 7 and we talked over question in presence of Prime Minister Hakimi. Substance of Hajir’s remarks was following:
- 1.
- It is impossible reconstruct an authoritarian American Mission on Millspaugh pattern.
- 2.
- Americans should not be used to handle details of administration and many men here are now not needed.
- 3.
- Nevertheless, he considers there is great need for perhaps 10 or 12 men in key spots and he would like to retain a hand-picked group of this size. (I gathered he envisaged their functions as largely advisory.)
- 4.
- He thinks it most important that a program be drawn up for these men and he would be prepared to have bases of their work laid down in Majlis [legislation?] if desired although he believes decree of Cabinet would be sufficient for all concerned.
- 5.
- He would like our agreement to this suggestion and consequent modification of language used in Embassy’s note of October 3.41 Having obtained this he would work out agreement with men chosen to remain.
Prime Minister concurred in foregoing.
I replied I could make no commitment without consultation with Department and would probably have to have another conversation with him before giving definite reply.
Pending further consideration of all aspects I am unprepared make recommendations to Department. In view of Iran’s desperate need for expert help I hesitate to adopt entirely unyielding attitude since I think there is possibility small group of Americans could render useful service. In any case I feel we should give Hajir’s views which [Page 562] were well stated and impressed me not unfavorably benefit of full study. I plan to see him again within week to clarify certain points and will keep Department posted.