891.00/11–2746: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Allen) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 27—10:29 a.m.]
1528. Local newspaper Etelaat asked me following question today:
“What is your opinion regarding the recent decision of the Government of Iran to send security forces to various parts of Iran, including Azerbaijan, in connection with the forthcoming elections?”
I answered as follows: “It is the well-known policy of the American Government to favor the maintenance of Iranian sovereignty and territorial integrity. This principle was stated in the Declaration Regarding Iran signed at Tehran December 1, 1943 and is embodied in the principles of the United Nations Charter. The announced [Page 549] intention of the Iranian Government to send its security forces into all parts of Iran, including any areas of Iran where such forces are not at present in control, for the maintenance of order in connection with the elections, seems to me an entirely normal and proper decision.[”]22
- In telegram 1000, December 4, 7 p.m., the Department expressed its approval of Ambassador Allen’s reply to the question asked by Etclaat (891.00/11–2746).↩