891.011/7–1548: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
2750. Dept has been approached by Brit Emb for exchange of views in anticipation of question of constitutional reforms being raised by Shah in forthcoming visit to London (para 4, urtel 3103, July 101). Brit Emb Rep exhibited FonOff cable indicating Brit would take position “time is not yet ripe for changes in constitution”, seven-year plan is overriding internal concern of Iran at present time, and new Govt’s progress should be evaluated before initiating constitutional change. [Page 163] Wishing neither encourage nor rebuff Shah in his desire for constitutional reform, Brit are prepared to discuss with Shah in some detail proposed changes which to them appear to bear most directly on the Shah’s repeated desire for economic development:
- 1.
- To amend quorum rules in Majlis, which Brit think to be generally desirable as means to facilitate legislation; and,
- 2.
- Granting Shah right to dissolve Majlis, on which Brit would raise two questions—(a) Would this constitutional change increase prospects of economic development and social reform, which question Brit would answer by suggesting that new Majlis would probably be little if any better than old; and (b) Would benefits of proposed change outweigh short-term disadvantages of its introduction, to which Brit would reply that differences of opinion in Majlis and press would probably accentuate disunity at time when national accord is most desired. In short, FonOff feels constitutional reform in Iran is premature until progress in seven-year plan and other progressive measures can be seen.
Dept Rep stated that US views had not changed since they were conveyed to Brit Emb in early Jan. (Deptel 15, Jan. 8) and late April (Deptel 399, May 52). Dept Rep agreed that principal internal Iranian objective at this time appears to be economic and social improvement and that other schemes should be evaluated in terms of their contribution to that objective. Proposal of constitutional change continues to appear unnecessary to effectuation development program and undesirable because it would probably accentuate internal discord. Dept Rep added that persistent Soviet threat was principal external Iranian problem at present time, particularly in view world situation and sequence of recent developments in Soviet-Iranian relations. In premises, Dept Rep suggested Shah would be well-advised to proceed slowly, if at all, in his desire for constitutional reform.
It was suggested to Brit Emb Rep that Shah’s conversations in London might provide exceptional opportunity for UK officials to explain successful though restrained role of monarch in Brit constitutional system. In order that Shah might not feel rebuffed, Brit might wish to make certain substitute suggestions of positive action which would give vent to Shah’s energetic desire for national advancement and, at same time, tend to unite divers elements Iranian population, focus their attention upon most important issues, and increase popular affection for King.
Sent London 2750 rpt Tehran 675.