260. Telegram From the Station in Iran to the Central Intelligence Agency1

TEHE 686. 1. Al Homdulillah.

2. Late last night, accompanied by kisses (literally) from Iranian source, we informed papers brought by [name not declassified]. They now in possession Zahedi. Evidently pressure finally effective and we feel much credit must go to [name not declassified]. Action scheduled midnight tonight.

3. Earlier meeting with Zahedi showed him firm of purpose but inhabiting dream world so far as his subsequent program concerned. [Page 663] Spoke of free medical care for the third class citizens, mechanizing agriculture and growing vast crops of cotton on Moghan Steppes, equalizing wealth by income taxes, etc. Time not right for us to argue issue but we warning strongly against making impossible promises in early speeches. It clear Zahedi will need firm realistic guidance.

End of message.

  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency. Secret. Transcribed specifically for the Foreign Relations series from microfilm in the Central Intelligence Agency that no longer exists. See “Sources” chapter.