891.20 Mission/4–348: Telegram
The Chargé in Iran (Somerville) to the Secretary of State
344. Foreign Minister informed us today Iranian Government had decided press now for revision of Grow Mission contract, along general lines mentioned by Iranian Embassy Washington (Deptel 193, March 1) and Minister would accordingly wish discuss matter with Ambassador Wiley as soon as possible after presentation credentials (which now appears unlikely before Tuesday). This decision came as complete surprise to Embassy and General Grow since reported Embtel 272, March 11,1 matter was thought to be dead issue.
Foreign Minister said chief concern of Iranian Government was to revise Article 24 re engagement personnel other foreign countries, to which we commented along lines Deptel 210, March 6, paragraph d.
Ambassador Wiley informs me that in absence further instructions from Department he will, as a practical matter, insist upon retention present provisions re this article and other points regarded by US Government as basic, as set forth Deptel 210.
General Grow is of same view.