888.2553–AIOC/5–2250: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
931. Department inform Army, Navy, Air. The Shah has informed me that AIOC renegotiation should be ratified by Parliament and that it would be the task of the Ali Mansur Government to see that this went through. This is contrary to stories which have reached the Embassy that the Ali Mansur Government was to be replaced in nearest future. The Shah stated that he did not desire that a Government in Iran should fall merely of its own weight; it should fall for a specific issue or reason and on a basis of responsibility which the Government had assumed, not because of political capriciousness Parliamentary intrigue. It is evident that Shah has been formulating his thoughts and it seems to me he has decided to take energetic decisions regarding Government and public affairs. Shah believes strong leadership in US is greatest deterrent to dictatorship.
In conversation yesterday a. m., Razmara1 estimated Mansur’s Cabinet would last two months. He believed Mansur will be succeeded by Minister Interior Ardalan whom he considered a “weak” personality.
Although he disclaimed any ambitions on his own part to become Prime Minister, I rather think that the Chief Staff is merely biding his time until he feels the moment is ripe for him to assume power.
With present muddled political and economic situation, there is growing sentiment for Razmara premiership even among some of his former political enemies.
- Lt. Gen. Ali Razmara, Chief of the Iranian General Staff.↩