761.91/4–2847: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iran
221. Urtel 329, Apr 28. You may say to Qavam and Shah that while it is obviously impossible for us in advance any untoward action on part Soviet Govt to indicate a course of action which might be appropriate we reiterate the assurances contained in Deptel 976 Nov 221 that this Govt is prepared support Iranian independence by acts as [Page 910] well as words so long as Iranian Govt sincerely desires independence and demonstrates willingness stand up for Iran’s sovereignty. You might review with Qavam extent and value of support given Iran by this Govt both in SC case last year and at time of Azerbaijan incident in December. You may state that in way of positive assistance we are prepared support Iran’s formal application for World Bank loan based on well thought out plan to benefit all Iranian people.
In reply Qavam’s inquiry whether Sov Amb’s representation indicates new Sov campaign against Iran, we have obtained no specific information to this effect. However we feel we should be prepared for stepped up Sov activities in Europe and Middle East in near future. Re Middle East we consider significant Sov Amb’s conversation with Qavam reported urtel 329 especially in light similar revealing representation made to Afghan FM by Sov Amb Kabul (see infotel Apr 162).
We would appreciate your further views on this subject.
Sent Tehran, repeated London, Moscow, Kabul.
- Foreign Relations, 1946, vol. vii, p. 546.↩
- Telegram 947 to Moscow, repeated to Tehran as No. 186 and to New Delhi; it stated: “Sov Ambass Kabul asked Afghan FonOff why Afghanistan would seek US rather than USSR assistance in matters involving construction and maintenance airports northern Afghanistan. In connection TWA-Afghan agreement, which Ambass first referred to as ‘rumor’ until set straight by Afghan FonMin, Sov Ambass expressed concern that USSR was being encircled. He qualified this by saying it did not relate only or even primarily to American activities, but that after experience of recent war USSR could not view with unconcern development of any alien interests in those areas of countries bordering on Russia that are in close proximity to Sov territory.” (800.00 Summaries/4–1647)↩