891.77/3–1546: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Murray) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received 9:42 p.m.]
345. Embtels 114 [144] Jan 31; 180, Feb 9; 189, Feb 12.19 Amercan press clippings for month of February sent Embassy by Dept have just come to my attention and I believe it highly advisable for Dept to correct in whatever manner may be most feasible impression which American press has gained that Soviets have turned back northern section of Iran’s state railways. Railway has not been turned back and stories in American press that it has can only serve to give American public totally erroneous idea that Soviets have in some instances shown friendly and conciliatory policy toward Iranians and have given indications that they will eventually evacuate country. I feel it most important American public have no illusions about Soviet policy in Iran and trust Dept will lose no time in correcting stories about return of railway to Iranians which originated with announcement last month that actual turnover had begun.
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