Office of the Historian

511.884/11–2050: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iran

secret
Washington, November 20, 1950—6 p. m.

873. For Amb Grady. Embtels 1135 and 1140 Nov 17.1 While by itself, IranGov termination VOA relay matter serious, Dept particularly concerned lest it reflect part of calculated IranGov pol appease USSR and revert traditional Iran tactics of playing one power off against other. Arbitrary action of this sort without any advance notice shows Irans misunderstand (1) issues at stake in world today, (2) US pol, and (3) US public opinion.

While conclusion Sov-Iran trade agreement2 was bound to stimulate some reaction in Iran favorable to USSR and adverse to West, Dept [Page 616] disturbed at extent to which this development appears to have affected pro-Govt press and Razmara’s policies. Razmara’s explanation BBC primarily responsible difficult to understand in view widespread attacks on VOA in Iran press including pro-Govt papers as well as remarks of Shahrokh. Furthermore, it is difficult to believe Razmara wld expect US to accept such explanation.

Dept knows you are fol matter personally and that you will do everything in ur power to restore relay. Dept wld apprec, in ur discretion, ur having fall and frank discussion with Razmara, and, if deemed advisable, the Shah on question of US-Iran-Soviet relations pointing out US finds difficult to understand abrupt action such as relay termination and gen anti-Amer tone of pro-govt press in recent days. They might be told, while Dept fully realizes relay of VOA was special privilege granted us by IranGov because it helped counter Sov propaganda activities, manner of its termination lacking all normal standards diplo conduct can only be interpreted as act designed to promote appeasement SovUnion at risk of damage to existing close friendship with US. In requesting Razmara restore relay at once, assurance may be given every precaution will be taken in broadcasts by VOA to prevent any embarrassment to his Govt.3

Acheson
  1. Neither printed; in telegram 1135, Grady reported that the Iranian Government had stopped the VOA and BBC relays on Radio Tehran on November 12. The Propaganda Director explained to the United States Embassy that this had been done because a former Director had displayed too great a friendliness to foreign governments, particularly the United States; and in order to avoid heavy anti-foreign attacks that were expected in the Majlis over special broadcasts dealing with Iranian internal affairs. In telegram 1140 Grady reported that Richards had discussed the cancellation with Razmara who said it “was caused primarily by BBC slanting news articles to favor oil concession and that Russian annoyance over VOA remarks was secondary.” The Prime Minister felt arrangements could be made to resume the relay, “but evaded direct answer when questioned re nature of arrangements.” (511.884/11–1750)↩
  2. The Soviet-Iranian Trade Agreement had been signed at Tehran on November 4. Embassy Tehran transmitted an analysis of the agreement in despatch 349, November 16, not printed (461.8831/11–1650).↩

  3. On November 21 Assistant Secretary of State McGhee reiterated this position to the Iranian delegation which had just arrived in Washington to discuss the Export-Import Bank loan, stating “that the Department was disturbed over the abrupt manner in which the Iranian Government had terminated its relay of the Voice of America programs.” A memorandum of this conversation is in file 511.884/11–2150.

    By December 8 Richards could report that any resumption of the relay appeared extremely unlikely, and that any overtures at that time to the Iranian Government concerning renewal were inadvisable. (Telegram 1292, not printed; 511.884/12–850)

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