262. Telegram From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State1
337. Significance placed here upon fact Shojat, principal Tudeh newspaper, only one to have account alleged coup d’état this morning and that same paper had proclaimed imminence coup since August 13.
Aside minor hint in Mard Asia, anti-Mosadeq paper, August 16, that government apprehensive about coup, apparently only Communists had idea of purported coup.
Shojat on August 13 called upon government to forestall coup, naming many alleged plotters in armed forces. On August 14 same paper said certain army commanders in league with Shah and arrangements coup all set. Claimed Kashani also in plot.
August 16 Shojat said Mosadeq tipped off to plot Friday afternoon and plotters, learning this, later sent white flare into sky to notify conspirators delay action. “Coup was to come off last night. Following meeting General Schwarzkopf and Shah August 9, necessary preparations made. Monday Shah left for Caspian and Colonel Nasari in civilian clothes held meetings in Tehran. Friday Colonel Nasari ordered Imperial Guards hold selves readiness assignment.
“Plans called for mountain brigade of Colonel Montaz and units armored brigade of Colonel Shahrokh to attack Tehran 1 a.m. Saturday. Were to occupy government centers, radio station, arrest Prime Minister, ministers. Execute some at once. Plot discovered, tipped off. White flare sent up.
“American imperialists sent Schwarzkopf as spy to court after Dulles and Eisenhower statements with instructions present government must be ousted by military action and replaced by government headed by men like Alayar Saleh, General Zahedi, Hakimi, Dr. Amini.”
- Source: Central Intelligence Agency, DDO Files, Job 79–01228A, Box 11, Folder 14, Iran 1951–1953. Restricted. Repeated to London and to Beirut for Ambassador Henderson. Received at 7:55 a.m.↩