891.24/3–1246: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Iran (Murray)
236. Urtel 318, Mar. 12.38 Present policy precludes sale of surplus arms, ammunition and instruments of war to Iran.39 While Dept is prepared to consider amendment of policy to permit sales to Iran upon receipt from Iranian Govt of firm request specifying exact materials [Page 373] desired, no assurance can be given azt this time that approval would be granted. Desired material might, of course, be available from private manufacturers.
[In telegrams 531 and 538, both dated March 23, 1946, the Department requested Moscow to send in full text “the most literal and careful translation” of the Soviet note of November 29, 1945, to the United States concerning the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iran. The request was made “for purposes of verification, particularly part containing implication that 1942 treaty is only controlling factor.” (861.24591/3—2346) For text of the Soviet note, see telegram 4015, November 30, 1945, from Moscow, Foreign Relations, 1945, volume VIII, page 468. The nature of the reply by Moscow is given in footnote 84, ibid., page 469.]
- Not printed; it stated that Maj. Gen. Clarence S. Ridley, Chief of the United States Military Mission with the Iranian Army, had made formal inquiry of the Embassy concerning sale by the United States to Iran of military equipment essential for the maintenance of security involving its armed tribes (891.24/3–1246).↩
- For the Department’s “present policy” on disposal of military-type surplus equipment to foreign governments, see Secretary’s Staff Committee document SC/R–184, February 5, 1946, volume i , documentation on United States National Security Policy.↩