320. Editorial Note

The 162nd meeting of the National Security Council, September 17, 1953, included a discussion of Iran. While delivering his briefing on significant world developments affecting U.S. security, Director of Central Intelligence Dulles commented that “Zahedi would have his headaches in spending the $45 million aid from the U.S. He called attention to the new determination being exhibited by the Shah, for example, in his requiring the Chief of Staff to report directly to the Shah rather than to the Prime Minister. In the long run Mr. Dulles felt this would be a favorable and stabilizing change. In explanation of the Shah’s change of behavior, Mr. Dulles suggested that it was only now that the Shah had become convinced of his personal hold over the people.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Series, Box 4a, 162nd NSC Meeting) (For the text of that portion of the memorandum of discussion at the National Security Council meeting devoted exclusively to Iran, see Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, volume X, Iran, 1951–1954, pages 794–796 (Document 367).