788.00/5–2650: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Wiley) to the Secretary of State
970. Department inform Army, Navy, Air. Shahrokh, who now sees Shah almost daily, informs Embassy Shah has made up his mind that unless British Embassy raises objection he will ask General Razmara form strong government composed nearly as possible of new elements. Such government would probably take office as soon as Mansur either successfully pushed AIOC legislation through Majlis, failed to do so, or refused to present bill.
Dooher saw Razmara last night and latter confirmed in general what Shahrokh had reported. Chief Staff sees as only obstacles in his path to premiership (a) possible British Embassy interference, (b) opposition of certain members Shah’s family, (c) advice of Minister Court Hakimi who wants no change in Iran’s political status quo, and (d) intrigues of Prime Minister Mansur who has been inciting national front to agitate against Army and Chief Staff.
Razmara then gave Dooher general outline of program he intends put into effect if he is made Prime Minister. Following are main points thereof:
- (1)
- In economic matters he felt he could not work without collaboration Dr. Taqi Nasr whom he would want to assume responsibility for general economic and financial planning.
- (2)
- He would institute anti-corruption campaign to eliminate elements such as Mansur, Nikpur and other “anti-national” members of old guard. Asked how he would bring about elimination this group, Chief Staff remarked that Iran might have to send various “trade missions” abroad in near future.
- (3)
- If AIOC could prove their pending offer equal to or better than other mid-east concessions from commercial standpoint he could guarantee its passage. AIOC would be obliged however, he added, to reduce Indian labor force to absolute minimum and replace Indian workers with Iranians.
- (4)
- Chief Staff repeated his program for decentralization of government administration. Referring to security forces, he explained he envisages gendarmerie and police as civilian organizations under direct control popularly elected district governments.
- (5)
- In view of fact most of present parliament not elected freely, Razmara believes that non-cooperative attitude deputies and seNATOrs would be sufficient excuse to dissolve parliament and call new and free elections.
- (6)
- Under system he proposes Shah’s powers would “naturally” be limited to broad supervision governmental affairs. Razmara believes Shah should be exploited as Iran’s most valuable asset from standpoint public relations.
- (7)
- Razmara stated Shah asked him would not changes he proposed be regarded as “dictatorship”. Chief Staff said he replied what he has in mind is antithesis of dictatorship; that instead of wishing to accumulate more power he wishes to place it in hands of people through decentralization of government.
Embassy believes Shah close to taking decisive step and that this step is appointment Razmara to form government and making such decision is his fear British might indicate Razmara unacceptable to them. Shah appears to be placing great importance on lunch he is having with British Ambassador tomorrow at which time he hopes receive clear statement British support.
Sent Department 970, repeated info Moscow 93. Department pass Moscow.