891.00/4–1249: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iran 1

secret

us urgent

364. Representations to you by Shah (urtel 488, Apr. 12) and Hekmat (urtel 531, Apr. 212) re Turkish mil power reiterated here today by Amb Ala on basis Hekmat tel conveying Shah’s views. Dept observations to Ala follow:

Experience US Reps working closely with Turk officials in Ankara and Wash over past few years is basis for Dept conviction that Turk Republic has not had in past (except for Alexandretta) and gives no indication of having in future any aspirations for territory beyond its present borders. Evidence of this introspective attitude is consistent opposition Turk Republic Govt toward Pan-Turanianism. Intimate assoc US dipl and ECA Reps with Turk Govt and US mil advisers with Turk Army places us in position to be aware of any adverse Turk disposition toward Iran. We know of only friendliest disposition Turk officials and public toward Iran. US mil assistance to Turkey is predicated, in part, upon Turkey’s friendly relations with neighbors which share its own security interests. Therefore, US mil assistance to friendly neighbor of Iran is calculated to contribute to security of Iran.

Acheson
  1. This telegram was repeated to Ankara as 144, London as 136, and Moscow as 246.
  2. Not printed.