891.20/9–549: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iran
799. Urtel 1085 Sep 5.1 Highly gratified improved attitude of Shah.
Re second para you are correct in understanding US mil aid not intended supply locally procurable items.
Re fourth para past experience with Grk and Turk programs indicates it desirable confine discussions of requirements and procurement questions to foreign capital where experience and on-spot knowledge of US mil missions available. We have always insisted Grk and Turk requests be channelled through missions Athens and Ankara. Believe preferable establish this procedure for Iran program also.
While despatch special Iran mil rep to Wash might be useful in getting program started, provided he accompanied ranking officer of US mission Iran, we think this should be deferred at least until MAP approved by Congress, and State and NME have completed present re-study Iran needs. Until Iranian needs as set forth in Evans report can be re-examined in light funds ultimately appropriated by Congress for MAP, no realistic basis exists for conversation with any Iranian military rep who might come to Washington.
With reference desirability providing medium tanks, General Evans has recomended to Dept Army against provision such items. This recommendation is in accordance with JCS policy developed in connection surplus arms credit program. In view of General Evans previous recommendations, suggest you discuss matter with him. If finally determined no military justification exists, determination must be made whether tanks justified on political grounds as concession to Shah. Presumably question can best be answered after Shah’s visit and assessment his conversations with ranking officials in Washington. As practical matter doubtful whether surplus tanks will be available after requirements higher priority countries are met. Even 50 tanks from new procurement would require a major portion of funds likely to be available to Iranian program and would consequently involve elimination of other items already programmed.