788.00/6–2752: Telegram
No. 183
The Ambassador in Iran (Henderson) to the Department of State1
priority
5047. 1. Had long conversation with Ala evening June 26 regarding recent developments internal political situation.
2. Ala said that Mosadeq, instead of proceeding direct to his residence following his arrival at Tehran airport morning June 24,2 transferred himself to Ala’s car and proceeded with Ala to Shah’s summer palace where he talked for some forty minutes with Shah.
3. Mosadeq told Shah that Iran had made wonderful struggle during last year to obtain its freedom. That struggle had been successful; but British with their well-known tenacity were trying to strangle Iran financially in order force Iran permit British again rule country. Iranians must show that they possessed just as much determination and strength of character as British. Iran must make decision now whether or not it should continue to maintain independence even though independence meant tremendous amount sacrifice or whether it should give in to British pressure and Iranian people were to continue to live under humiliating conditions which had prevailed during last forty years. Mosadeq said he intended inform members Majlis at once that they should organize themselves so that he could submit his resignation and that he would not remain as Prime Minister even though Majlis might vote confidence in him unless Majlis should agree in advance to adopt all emergency measures which he might suggest in order enable country carry on financially until victory had been won. Mosadeq said he would also inform members Senate in similar vein. Mosadeq added that Shah himself held key to situation. Attitude taken by Shah would undoubtedly affect decision of Majlis and Senate. Did Shah desire Iran to carry on battle to victory which was certain in not too distant future or to compromise and again fall under British rule. He personally was confident of victory because he thought that International Court had been deeply impressed by ways in which Iranian case was presented; that Court would rule it had no competence; and that Iran would then be free to sell its oil. Even if Courts should rule otherwise, British could not keep Iran economic prisoner indefinitely.
4. According to Ala Shah replied that he was extremely disturbed at what he understood to be financial position of country. [Page 405] Minister Finance had just recently outlined to him some of financial problems. Shah wondered whether or not Mosadeq really understood how desperate situation was and had remedy at hand. Mosadeq answered he knew situation was desperate but also confident that if Majlis and Senate would give him full backing country could find ways of carrying on even without foreign aid. Shah said it might be good idea for him, Shah, to call in leaders of country, explain to them situation and ask their advice. Mosadeq asked what leaders Shah had in mind and when Shah named number ex-Prime Ministers and head various Iranian political and cultural institutions, Mosadeq stated it would be useless talk with such people since they were pro-British and did not understand temper of country. Shah should talk only with leaders Majlis and Senate if he wanted competent advice. Shah thanked Mosadeq for his suggestion and said he would take it; he would call in influential Senators and Deputies, outline issues to them, explain financial situation, and seek their advice. Mosadeq suggested that it might be preferable not to stress financial difficulties. Shah pointed out Parliamentary leaders could not give him sound advice if they were not in possession of all pertinent factors. With apparent hesitation Mosadeq agreed that it might be useful for Shah to call such conference. Mosadeq then informed Shah that he would talk to him in more detail regarding problems after he had had opportunity to rest and to consult with his own advisers.
5. Ala told me that Shah still believed time had come for change in government but was troubled regarding problem of successor. Shah did not wish to incur political hostilities by choosing any one of various contenders. He would prefer that members Majlis and Senate take this responsibility themselves. At present Shah seemed believe, however, that contest had narrowed down to Qavam, Hakimi and Mansur. Shah was leaning in direction Mansur because he thought Mansur would be more palatable to National Front. Mansur, however, had little following at present in Majlis and Senate. Mansur had indicated privately that he might be willing serve in Cabinet Qavam if latter should be next Prime Minister but would not serve under Hakimi. Ala said he thought candidacy of Saleh dead for time being at least. Imam Jumeh (Hasan Emami) had told Shah that he considered Saleh out question although he would not oppose Busheri. The Imam had indicated, however, that he preferred Hakimi.
6. Ala told me that on morning 26th Kashani had called on him and, after expressing some faint praise for Mosadeq and going through motion of giving Mosadeq support, had indicated that he thought Busheri best man to succeed Mosadeq. Ala said he thought, however, that Busheri did not have sufficient backing of [Page 406] Iran political leaders to achieve success as Prime Minister. Busheri might, nevertheless, be included in next Cabinet. Ala added he personally thought that Hakimi would be better selection than Qavam although Hakimi probably not so strong as Qavam. Hakimi more reasonable, more honest and would not be afraid of taking strong measures if necessary. Furthermore, Hakimi would not, like Qavam, have around him advisers of questionable reputation. Ala said he thought that within next two or three days Shah would call group influential Senators and Deputies for conference after having first consulted with Tazizadeh and several leaders of Majlis such as Imam Jumeh.
7. Even though Shah may realize time has come when he should take action, I still have considerable doubt that he has hardihood to do anything really constructive. As I become better acquainted with him I am becoming more and more convinced that he is lacking in courage and in resolution, that he is conscious of his weaknesses and that he is inclined to endeavor to conceal his true character by finding excuses for inaction and even by laying blame for past mistakes on those around him. Ala may well be scapegoat if at some time Shah might desire pass responsibility to some one else for his own vacillations regarding Mosadeq. It is likely that if Shah does call conference of influential members of two Houses of Parliament and those members advise that there should be change in government, he will make it clear that they, not he, must be responsible for such change but he would not be opposed to it.