788.5 MAP/2–1450: Telegram

The Ambassador in Iran ( Wiley ) to the Secretary of State

secret

259. Embtel 222, February 8.1 Department inform Army, Navy, Air. In talk with Shah February 12 he spoke most emphatically of need of US to decide role expected of Iran in event of war and of necessity that he be informed of place of Iran in US strategic planning. Shah stated he could handle internal security with relatively small force but that it was very costly and under present circumstances useless maintain present size army. Therefore, if US expects Iran to oppose possible Soviet invasion he should be so informed without delay.

Shah expressed sense of considerable urgency re foregoing.

This conversation with Shah strengthens my belief it would be most valuable were senior US Army spokesman to visit Iran, Embtel 243, February 13.1

Wiley
  1. Not printed.
  2. Not printed.