Office of the Historian

25. Minutes of Director of Central Intelligence Smith’s Meeting1

Washington, May 9, 1951.

[Omitted here is discussion unrelated to Iran.]

Mr. Dulles stated that in his opinion only one thing could save the situation in Iran, namely to have the Shah throw out Mossadeq, close the Majlis and temporarily rule by decree. At a later date a new premier could be installed with our help. The Director asked Mr. Dulles to get in touch with Mr. Matthews and Mr. McGhee at State Department and discuss this matter. If we are to act along these lines, it may be necessary to have an NSC directive.

  1. Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Office of the Director of Intelligence, Job 80B01676R, Box 23, Folder 5, Director’s Staff Meetings. Top Secret.↩