Office of the Historian

891.6363/12–448: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

secret
Washington, December 4, 1948—2 p. m.

4537. Following for info only. Brit Emb states FO agrees early action should be taken on off-shore oil proposals: Brit recognize existence danger unfavorable reaction Iran but believe conditions will not be improved by waiting. Should advice to PG states be delayed disputes might ensue over off-shore concessions which would be most detrimental to overall US–UK position.

FO now believes simultaneous approach should be made all PG states so as to preclude appearance Iran being presented with fait accompli and we concur. Brit propose express hope Iran will agree on principles and if so take action in accordance with, them.1 We prefer not make recommendation to Iran but say our views for info duly.2

Lovett
  1. The British views along these lines were transmitted to Mr. Jernegan on November 29 by Mr. Bromley in note G. 59/121/48 (800.0145/11–2948).↩
  2. This telegram, as originally drafted, concluded with the following paragraph: “Dept concerned over long delay and hopes will obtain final clearance earlier than mid-Dec as suggested possible by Brit Emb. In your discretion pls confirm to HMG Dept’s approval new Brit plan and hope that it can be given higher priority for clearance.” This paragraph was deleted before transmittal.

    Telegram 4537 was repeated to Beirut as 764 for George V. Allen, Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and former Ambassador to Iran, and to Tehran as 1139.

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