761.91/7–548: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iran
niact
628. Urtels 758, July 2;1 770 July 4; 772 July 5. Following are Dept views for your guidance in conversations with Shah, Prime Minister and Razmara July 6:
1. We do not agree with Shah’s suggestion that Iran should denounce 1921 treaty, for following reasons:
- (a)
- Treaty contains certain provisions advantageous to Iran;
- (b)
- Article six does not, in our view, permit USSR unilaterally to introduce forces into Iran;
- (c)
- Denunciation of treaty at this time might, with some justification, be interpreted by USSR as unfriendly act;
- (d)
- Public airing Iran-Soviet differences at this time might, in light overall Soviet position, provoke rather than deter further Soviet interference in Iran.
For your info only, Ala and Entezam are understood to have revived their proposal of mid-April that Iran communicate to UN, for info SC, recent developments bearing upon Iranian case still on SC agenda. In proposed communication, Iran would state that, in light of UN charter, any state (USSR) which considers its security endangered by activities of another state (Iran) is obligated to appeal to UN for [Page 156] resolution of difficulty and refrain from unilateral action which might endanger peace. Ala does not recommend denouncing 1921, treaty. While we agree that above position is in general correct, any situation involving USSR prestige should preferably not be given publicity in immediate future because Berlin crisis in East-West relations is expected to reach climax in few days.
2. We agree with your feeling that keeping door half open, with Russians is dangerous policy for Iran to follow and that Iran would be well-advised to pursue “fixed, clear and definite” policy of standing up for its independence and of carrying on its foreign relations on basis of sovereign equality with other states, free from coercion. Only by pursuing such course can Iran expect effective support of peace-loving members of UN and sympathy of world opinion. That course should be taken with firmness and no retreat, but quietly for the time being.
We, of course, share your concern over recent developments in Iran-Soviet relations, particularly Soviet notes, border incursions, and menacing representations. We are completing exhaustive study Article six 1921 treaty in light of other treaty relations between Iran and Soviet Union, including UN charter, and will transmit document soonest. Iranian situation is under constant scrutiny here and further guidance will be accorded in light your recommendations.
Sent Tehran, repeated London as 2560, Moscow as 765.