Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V

788.00/6–2350: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iran ¹

secret

Washington, June 23, 1950—7 p. m.

763. Urtel 1168 June 21. Dept appreciates ur excellent analysis Iran situation, description Razmara program and possible obstacles.

Fol is Dept’s reaction ur three recommendations:

1. You may indicate to Shah US in gen is sympathetic to reforms proposed by Razmara and wld welcome any attempt start Iran on road progressive, efficient and democratic Govt. Dept wld not wish at this time, however, to comment on any specific proposal since this cld tie hands Grady in recomemnding corrective measures to IranGov fol completion econ mission’s work.

2. While Dept is willing consider issuance public statement shld it become necessary, it will depend entirely on circumstances existing fol Razmara’s accession to power and no definite assurance this connection can be made this time.

3. Dept has obtained impression as result FM meeting and subsequent conversations London and Wash, UK in full agreement need major reforms in Iran and, in fact, desired go considerably further than US in putting pressure on Shah to institute land reform, anticorruption campaign, freedom for trade unions, etc. Dept prepared discuss Razmara’s proposals with Brit if you see no objection and on basis present info believe Brit will be receptive. Advise soonest. Dept reluctant press Brit any further on AIOC since it has now gone considerably further in this direction than contemplated six months ago and has made its views thoroughly known to high UK officials including Bevin.

Acheson

1. This telegram was repeated to Athens for Ambassadors Wiley and Grady.