788.00/2–2453: Telegram

No. 304
The Ambassador in Iran (Henderson) to the Department of State1

secret
niact

3358. 1. Ala Minister Court came to my house shortly before midnight clearly vastly relieved at what he regards as at least temporary composure of differences between Shah and Mosadeq. He said 7 representatives of Nationalist Movement fraction [faction] in Majlis had gone back and forth today between him and later Shah and Mosadeq and as result their and his persuasion Mosadeq seems to have been mollified. He has promised not to press his grievances against Shah at least for time being and to call Shah morning February 24.

2. Ala said that this group deputies told Shah and him this afternoon that although Mosadeq had refused to make any demands on Shah, nevertheless, they themselves had come to opinion that if Shah could persuade Mosadeq that he would no longer follow certain practices or engage in certain activities Prime Minister would probably taken different attitude towards him. More specifically he suggested:

a.
That Shah make it clear once for all that officers armed forces must look to Mosadeq not Shah for instructions and preferment.
b.
That Shah desist from seeing persons known to be critical of Mosadeq.
c.
That Shah stop distributing crown lands to peasant tenants and promise in future to use revenues therefrom for purposes advancing welfare of state in place of revenues which have hitherto come from governmental budget.

3. Shah told deputies they could assure Mosadeq unequivocally re points (a) and (b). Shah defended his scheme for distribution crown lands to tenants insisting that welfare of country demanded large number small farmers. Shah indicated, however, his willingness discuss this matter with Prime Minister. Delegation of deputies seemed satisfied at Shah’s assurances and explanations. They conveyed Shah’s remarks to Prime Minister shortly after I had left Prime Minister this evening. Following their conversation with Prime Minister Ala called on Prime Minister at their suggestion. He found Prime Minister rather expansive mood. At conclusion of friendly conversation Prime Minister expressed willingness not to press his charges and to talk whole matter over with Shah.

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4. Despite Ala’s apparent satisfaction at outcome dispute I believe prestige of Shah has sagged sharply and that Mosadeq will continue to humiliate him almost systematically. Ensuing conversation may not be so agreeable to Shah as Ala seems to anticipate. Shah chiefly henceforth to be scapegoat for many of Prime Minister’s difficulties.

5. Ala remarked that some of opponents of Mosadeq including Kashani, Baqai and Maki would not be happy at recent developments. Early this afternoon Maki had telephoned Ala to ask him to endeavor persuade Shah not to seek reconciliation with Mosadeq. Maki had insisted that if Mosadeq should attack Shah majority of Majlis and country would be outraged and support Shah. I asked Ala what likely happen to Zahedi now that reconciliation had taken place. Ala said he did not believe any measures would be taken against Zahedi2 since it was no crime to aspire to Prime Ministership. In any event, Zahedi was not completely trustworthy.

Henderson
  1. Repeated to London.
  2. Henderson reported on Feb. 25 that Zahedi was arrested that day. (Telegram 3388; 788.00/2–2553)