711.91/9–1147: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Allen) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
874. Impression is gaining currently that the great powers have made an agreement on Iranian oil. Today’s Journal de Tehran declares that “our dear country has become a terrain for the competition of those who are eager to possess the world. It is said that secret conversations and demands similar to those of 1907 are under way.” Iranians are already asking whether the US is a party to such conversations. The President of the Majlis has sent word to me that unless the position of the US becomes known publicly in the near future, everyone will conclude by our continued silence that we are involved or at least that we have abandoned Iran. He said he could not guarantee that more than 30 deputies would remain firm in face of Soviet threats if we continued to allow a false impression of our attitude to remain uncorrected.
It seems necessary in view of many incorrect reports of our position to make our views known publicly at this time. I have been asked to make a talk tonight to the Iran-American Relations Society on the subject of the parliamentary system of govt. After discussing historical development of parliaments and variations of system in principal countries, I plan to refer to the constitutional position of Iranian Majlis with especial reference to its responsibilities for defending Iranian national interests. Conclusion of speech will be as follows:
“Within a few days the Iran Majlis is expected to be asked to consider proposals concerning the development of one of the important natural resources of Iran. Certain rumors and allegations have appeared concerning the attitude of the US in the matter, and I have been asked on numerous recent occasions to state my Govt’s position. I shall, do so now as specifically and clearly as I can.
“The American Govt has frequently made known its respect for the sovereignty of Iran. An important aspect of sovereignty is the full right of any country to accept or reject proposals regarding development of its resources. Iran’s resources belong to Iran. Iran can give [Page 952] them away free of charge or refuse to dispose of them at any price if it so desires.
“The US has no proper concern with proposals of a commercial or any other nature made to Iran by any foreign govt as long as those proposals are advanced solely on their merits, to stand or fall on their value to Iran. However, we and every other nation of the world do become concerned when such proposals are accompanied by threats of bitter enmity or by statements that it would be dangerous for Iran to refuse. The US is firm in its conviction that any proposals made by one sovereign govt to another should not be accompanied by threats or intimidation. When such methods are used in an effort to obtain acceptance, doubt is cast on the value of the proposals themselves.
“The US has dedicated its full energy and resources to freeing the peoples of the world from the fear of aggression. Our determination to follow this policy as regards Iran is as strong as it is anywhere else in the world. This purpose can be achieved to the extent that Iranian people show determination to defend their own sovereignty. Patriotic Iranians, when considering matters affecting their national interest, may therefore rest assured that the American people will support fully their freedom to make their own choice.”1
Sent Dept, Dept pass London 111, and Moscow 101.
- In telegram 557, September 12, to Tehran, the Department approved Ambassador Allen’s “action clarifying US position re Soviet oil concession in order correct any suggestion that US would countenance great power agreement at expense of Iran or that we have modified out attitude in face of Soviet and British representations to Iranians.” The Department suggested further “that in any subsequent discussion this subject you should emphasize, as you have constantly done in past, that the United Nations is medium through which we shall continue combat aggression.” (891.6363/9–1147)↩