Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V, Part 1

501.BC/12–248: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iran

secret

Washington, December 2, 1948—6 p. m.

1129. Suggest you discuss with Saed or Hekmat¹ proposed Iranian communication to Security Council re Soviet-Iranian relations. (Re Deptel 1004 Oct. 21² and previous.) Your approach should be informal with first objective to determine whether new ministers are familiar with background, understand US views, and are in agreement as to desirability action this type. Make clear idea communication originated with Iranian officials here (we understand Ala has again communicated his views to Tehran) and we are not taking initiative. Our interest arises from general policy of support for Iran and fact Soviet threats against Iran partly based on asserted US activities that country.

Make following points:

1. Unless there is some new development we do not suggest action during present session General Assembly Paris but we think appropriate time may come shortly after end this session. Therefore important Iran Govt make necessary decisions promptly.

2. Because of delicacy question and legal points involved, we believe documents to be transmitted to SC should be carefully prepared and time allowed for thorough study by Iranian reps Washington and New York in consultation Dept. (We are anxious have Ala take active part this matter, along with Entezam, but leave it your discretion how far you press this.)

3. Aside from our general desire offer advice and assistance where appropriate, our request to be consulted before Iranian action is based on fact we would plan make parallel communication refuting Soviet charges against US and supporting Iran position that any alleged threat against Soviet Union from Iran should be referred to Security Council. We naturally wish to know in advance position Iran will take in order be sure we can conscientiously support it. (This connection we have never had clarification of Hajir reported statement to Le Rougetel that Iranian note would ask revision by SC of Article 6 of 1921 treaty. Re Deptel 1021 Oct 29. We could not support such approach.)

For your info we have concluded Noury-Esfandiary has blocked previous action by Iran reps Paris, despite repeated statements Shah and Hajir that instructions had been sent him. Since he is still head Iran Del, we think it useless have further instructions sent Paris. Accordingly would prefer any further instructions this regard be sent Ala Washington and Entezam after his return New York.³

Lovett

1. Ali Asghar Hekmat, Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Sa’ed Cabinet.
2. This was a repeat of Gadel 269, p. 187.
3. This telegram was repeated to Paris, London, and Moscow.