891.00/10–846: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Iran (Allen)
us urgent most immediate
858. Urtel 1336 Oct 8.96 We agree that it would be difficult for us to take any further action in Iranian case before SC in absence Iranian initiative. Amb Ala so informed by me in conversation Oct 8. In view our belief, however, that critical situation in Iran due at least in part to Soviet pressure and continued Soviet interference in Iranian affairs, we feel for time being at least Iranian case should be retained on SC agenda. If during conversation between you and Qavam question should arise you may say you feel your govt would support an Iranian appeal to SC against continued foreign interference provided Iran would accompany such appeal with appropriate evidence such foreign interference.
We doubt that an Iranian request to GA for permission observe elections would contribute materially alleviation situation in Iran. In our opinion Iranian govt requesting such commission would immediately become persona non grata with Soviet govt which would refuse longer to cooperate with it and would probably make it impossible for such commission to carry out its functions. It seems to [Page 529] us any Iranian govt willing resist Soviet pressure would be in stronger position if it would insist no elections be held until law and order restored throughout the country or at least that no elections be held in areas over which Iranian govt not able exercise control.
If, however, Qavam should ask whether this govt would support Iranian request to GA for permission observe elections you may, after giving him our views re matter, state that if Iranian govt feels elections must be held in spite its lack of control over whole country and if it desires UN supervision such elections we would support such request. This request, however, should be dissociated from SC consideration of case before it and based merely on Iran’s desire obtain benefit UN’s advice on electoral practices which such commission would be able to supply as result its observations. This distinction between SC consideration of interference and GA concern with elections is important, because GA cannot take any action under Art 12 on matter of which SC is seized. As indicated above we think SC should continue to be seized of present Iranian case.
In our opinion holding elections in Iran in present circumstances may well result in complete loss of Iranian independence and eventuality which may have serious consequences throughout whole Middle East. We hope therefore Qavam will reconsider his decision or at least consider possibility postponing elections in Azerbaijan and Fars (as US postponed elections in South during Civil War) until such time as govt regains full control there while continuing plans for elections other provinces.
Sent Tehran, repeated Secdel Paris 5485, London 7150, Moscow 1813.
- Not printed; Ambassador Allen reported that several Iranian political leaders had urged that a United Nations Commission be sent to Iran to supervise or observe the elections and to investigate the whole question of foreign interference in Iran (891.00/10–846).↩