891.20 Missions/4–348: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iran
niact
310. (1) In your discussions with Iranian officials re revision military mission agreement (urtels 344, Apr. 3, 364 and 368 Apr. 81), you should adhere views expressed Deptel 210, Mar. 6. Position in general should be US desires assist Iran in any reasonable manner requested but does not consider reasonable any revision Grow Mission Agreement which would undermine mission effectiveness or indicate willingness accede Soviet pressure.
(2) With specific ref Article 24, Iranians should be reminded that this provision is included in all US military mission agreements and covers practice followed, so far as we know, in similar agreements other nations; that such practice is basic to US acceptance responsibility render effective advisory assistance; that substitution Iran-US understanding outside formal agreement would probably violate spirit UN resolution implementing Article 102 Charter; that practical effect elimination article would be admit Iranian error in past and invite Soviet offer military advisers, refusal of which would leave Iran alone responsible in Soviet eyes and appear lend some credence Soviet charge unequal, if not unfriendly, treatment northern neighbor; and that present wording already permits employment personnel other nations, e.g., British aviation experts, with agreement Iran and US.
(3) If, after hearing views outlined above, Iranians continue object Article 24, you might suggest substitute wording along following lines:
[Page 137]“In event Govt Iran should engage services of any personnel of any other foreign Govt for duties of any nature connected with Iranian Army, Govt US will advise Govt of Iran upon contribution of such personnel to efficiency of Iranian Army. Should Govt US advise that engagement of such personnel does not contribute to efficiency of Iranian Army, and should Govt of Iran desire to continue services of such personnel, Govt of US reserves right to terminate its obligations under this Agreement and to withdraw the Mission.”
(4) Ref Article 25, mentioned by Noury as only other provision Iranians wish amended, substitute wording permissible (Deptel 210, Mar. 6) making clear Iranian Govt responsible payment all charges in question.
(5) Above considerations represent agreed views State and Army. All except para three have been conveyed in substance informally to Noury, who feels Iranians might prefer at least substitute wording both Art. 24 and Art. 25. Dept has indicated US willingness consider substitute wording sympathetically.
(6) While Dept recognizes exclusive ability Iranians judge conformity present agreement with basic Majlis action, we are unable in absence Emb explanation understand apparent change of position from that attributed Iranian Min War in urtel 226, Feb. 26.2
(7) In light indications possibility imminent change Govt (urtel 367, Apr 83), we suggest, if above views not convincing to Iranians, you undertake delay firm Iranian insistence delete Article 24. Noury promises caution Tehran against precipitate action.
Sent Tehran 310 rpt London 1252 Moscow 391.