891.20/5–2049: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iran
us urgent
473. Embtels 676 and 677, May 20; 689 May 23;1 and Deptel 449, May 17.2 Ala and Mazhari conveyed State and Army May 23 lengthy elaboration Shah’s replies Iran Emb cables re Gendarmerie merger plan. Exposition was more rationalization than justification since organizational, administrative, econ, and morale improvements anticipated are not precluded under present set-up. Emb Reps were surprised to learn US Mil Missions had not been consulted and were “certain” their advice wld be sought before merger effected. Burden of remarks was that historical and analytical estimate Army-Gendarmerie relationship presented purely internal problem for which solution being sought in terms independent IranGov decision without implication affront any fon power.
We agree ur view “idea is bad and timing worse” (urtel 655, May 15). Furthermore, we regret apparent disposition IranGov not make full use US Mil Missions by requesting their advice and, in addition, rendering ineffective, without consultation. Missions’ latest recommendations on subj which resulted 1947 decree stipulating respective responsibilities Army and Gendarmerie. Particularly unfortunate is IranGov failure take Missions into its confidence in planning stages.
In spite of views preceding para, we must recognize that determination status of Gendarmerie in Iran’s security scheme is matter within exclusive competence IranGov and shld avoid any suggestion that US Govt, on own initiative, is opposing independent Iran decision. Our expressed concern shld be limited to our estimate world public opinion, particularly in US, as it relates to maximizing Western support for Iran and minimizing effectiveness Sov subversion efforts. Anything beyond that shld be kept completely informal and in response to specific inquiries. We regret apparent inference recent VOA broadcast that US Govt takes any position in matter. While IranGovt action this and other matters inevitably has effect making easier or more difficult US support Iran, we shld avoid giving impression US [Page 523] Govt will in any way retaliate for failure. IranGov fol friendly advice given only when solicited.
With all above in mind, we are today informing Ala and Mazhari proposed merger Gendarmerie-Army is considered matter for independent Iran decision and that action taken by IranGov will have no effect upon disposition exec branch US Govt accord continuing support Iran in its effort achieve secure well-being through democratic processes. We assume that, in taking decision, IranGov will weigh carefully possible effects proposed action in terms of world opinion, particularly US press and Cong, propaganda reaction USSR, and effect upon diverse elements in Iran polit picture.
In light of all above, you shld, in ur discretion and after consultation Brit colleague, undertake dispel Shah’s apparent apprehension over influence US intervention.3
- None printed.↩
- Not printed; but see footnote 1 to telegram 655, May 15, p. 519.↩
- This telegram was repeated to London as 1802 and Moscow as 369. Ambassador Wiley, on May 26, replied that the Embassy had “followed precisely” the policy outlined in telegram 473. He observed further, however, that he did not “see anything to be gained by trying to ‘dispel Shah’s apparent apprehensions’ or apprehensions of anyone else.… It is most important that Department should abstain from any action that could be interpreted by Shah and HSO as ‘green light’.” (Telegram 706, from Tehran, 891.20/5–2649)↩