Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Iran, 1951–1954, Volume X

788.5/4–2352: Telegram

No. 173
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iran¹

secret
priority
niact

Washington, April 23, 1952—7:37 p.m.

2334. 1. Agree modified wording English translation third para Mosadeq’s note to you, as indicated para 2 Embtel 4068.²

2. Concur ur proposed reply as per para 3 reftel.

3. Agree proposed press treatment of release as per para 4 as modified by Embtel 4071.³ However, believe it advisable that Dept’s press release end with first para and that text of notes be not incorporated in US statement. Reason is that publication of notes wld raise question as to whether this alone complies with provisions Sec 511a, and it wld then have to be explained that this Iran note must be read in conjunction with previous note in connection Sec 511b. Comparison wording notes with precise language in legislation wld probably result in some confusion or misunderstanding. If such questions arise as result release of notes by IranGov, however, Dept cld explain matter on ad hoc and oral basis to anyone who inquires.

4. It is intended that brief written communiqué will be released, and other comments will be made as oral explanation. In doing so, Dept will endeavor comply with Mosadeq’s wishes as reported para 5 reftel and avoid any statements which might be embarrassing to him. Dept cld not, of course, make statement which cld be construed as covering up or concealing purpose of exchange.

5. Dept sees no need for procedure suggested para 7 reftel which might be particularly undesirable in view Kazemi attitude.

6. You are authorized proceed on foregoing basis.⁴ Suggest coordinated press releases Friday.⁵

Acheson

1. Drafted by Rountree and C. Vaughan Ferguson and approved by Matthews.
2. Supra.
3. See footnote 2, supra.
4. On Apr. 24 Ambassador Henderson reported that he and Mosadeq had exchanged notes that morning. (Telegram 4085; 788.5/4–2452) The original of Mosadeq’s note and a certified copy of Henderson’s note are included in despatch 1130 from Tehran, Apr. 24. (788.5 MSP/4–2452) For the texts, see TIAS No. 2967 and 5 UST (pt. 1) 788.
5. Not printed; for the text of the press release issued on Apr. 25, see Department of State Bulletin, May 12, 1952, p. 746.