780.5/11–354: Telegram
No. 237
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in the United
Kingdom1
2657. Although concur in Eden’s view that Iran unlikely participate presently Middle East regional arrangements and that matter should not be pressed at this time (London’s 2200),2 disagree that Iranian participation should await increased revenues and prosperity. We see no reason why Iran should not now be encouraged participate. Quite possible she might in fact decide join without undue pressure. See Tehran’s 270 to London (16 to Ankara).3 Level of US MDA Progam important element in fostering Iranian participation and is now under review Washington. Embassy may wish inform Foreign Office we believe that US–UK should offer some encouragement to, but not bring pressure upon, Shah to join regional arrangements since feel strongly that such participation important to effective Northern Tier arrangement and might be forthcoming in not too distant future. Participation could be worked out in a manner which would not prejudge necessary economic development which we hope and expect will come in the train of oil settlement.
Not aware reported plan discuss specifically defense of Iran. However representatives JCS (i.e. CINCNELM), British and Turk Chiefs will meet, tentatively in December consider operational factors incidental to Middle East defenses. This conference to be followed by bilateral US–UK talks re limited Middle East defense problems of mutual concern. Latter may be suitable occasion discuss problem defense of Iran. These two conferences which will not discuss political aspects are essential establish basic factual military data upon which politico-military plans for Middle East defense can be based. Seems unlikely conference concerned solely with defense Iran would be able to produce mature and comprehensive [Page 560] conclusions re Iranian defenses within context over-all Middle East defenses prior to Shah’s visit. While realizing desirability coordinated US–UK position re regional defense role of Iran believe must await outcome above mentioned conferences. We have already informed Shah we shall not make any definite decisions during discussions military assistance or security arrangements during his visit here and hope UK would see fit follow similar course.
- Drafted by Dixon and cleared by BNA, GTI, and Defense. Repeated as telegram 965 to Tehran and 555 to Ankara.↩
- Dated Nov. 3, not printed. The Ambassador reported a conversation with Eden, who suggested Great Britain and the United States should allow Iranian revenue to increase before pressing that country to join a Middle East regional defense plan. (780.5/11–354)↩
- Printed as telegram 1016 from Tehran, Document 235.↩