788.00/8–2153: Telegram
No. 350
The Ambassador in Iran (Henderson) to the Department of State1
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434. 1. August 20 in Tehran and apparently throughout most provinces opened in atmosphere relative calm. Population country apparently taking it for granted issue between Shah and Mosadeq finally settled and in general pleased with outcome. Nevertheless, in those circles more fully conversant situation there still certain amount uneasiness. Although Zahedi Government in control practically all country, it difficult believe Tudeh would accept new situation without counterblow. So long as Tudeh with its tough disciplined organization under leaders trained in revolutionary tactics and in propaganda methods remained intact, it dangerous enemy not to be ignored. Plans to arrest in early hours yesterday known Tudeh leaders miscarried. Chief of Political Police blamed for failure claiming they had gone underground. Suspicion exists, however, that he like many other Iranian officials preferred not to take [Page 757] action which would put him at top Tudeh black list. Fear that whoever has backing Iran’s powerful northern neighbor would under laws political gravity eventually come into power too often renders successful execution clear cut measures eliminate subversive Communist elements difficult.
2. Another factor contribution to uneasiness was that most dangerous Nationalist leaders still at large. Mosadeq, Fatemi, Shayegan, Hassibi and others might well be plotting with leaders Tudeh. Fact Fatemi still alive despite rumors August 19 his death especially discouraging since he considered most cunning and unscrupulous of those around Mosadeq. It believed he in spirit vengeance would not hesitate help in forging working alliance of Nationalists and Tudeh against West.
3. Batmanqilich invited General McClure Chief ARMISH call on him yesterday. Latter found him, like various other military leaders, worried re army. As of yesterday morning practically no changes had been made in General Staff other than removal Riahi, former chief. Riahi and General Mohana former Under Secretary Ministry Defense were under restraint occupying room next to Chief Staff in headquarters where they could be easily reached for advice and information re developments. They being treated with courtesy and consideration. Kiani, Deputy Chief Staff under Riahi who had chosen support Mosadeq continued to function until late afternoon. New Chief Staff not sure loyalty to new regime chief sections. Section heads exceptionally able officers who had been selected by Riahi. Their immediate dismissal would render it impossible General Staff function effectively and would create deep rift in army at time unity extremely important. On other hand, danger could not be ignored yesterday morning that if counter coup d’état could suddenly eliminate Batmanqilich, Riahi would merely need step across corridor to his former office and General Staff would be composed same personnel as those who had supported Mosadeq against Shah. Chief Staff although good field commander can not be regarded as first class desk operator. McClure found him harried and uncertain. He said he would like retain staff almost intact, but did not know how make sure loyalty its members.
He apparently hoping for speedy return Shah whose presence he thought might strengthen loyalty officers.… Amini yesterday in discussing situation in General Staff most critical, described it as chaotic.
3. [sic] During course yesterday situation improved considerably at least on surface. Fears aroused that Tudeh planning to make surprise counterattack proved unfounded. If Tudeh really had such plan it foiled by police precautions which did not permit gathering large crowds. Similar rumors prevalent today. Security Forces very [Page 758] much in evidence in more crowded sections city. Confirmation Riahi under detention and arrest during course yesterday of Mosadeq and Shayegan contributed increased confidence in future government. Certain changes also effected during yesterday and last night in military personnel. Riahi and Kiani reported moved from General Staff and sent to prison. Amini removed from position chief gendarmérie replaced by Golpira, a reliable gendarmérie officer. It understood further shifts and arrests in military personnel will be made in near future. Situation re Qashqais still not satisfactory. Reported that gendarmérie personnel in Firuzabad being disarmed by Qashqais. Reports from provinces received during course day also encouraging. It would appear attitude spontaneous joy prevails in larger cities and throughout countryside as that which marked overthrow Mosadeq’s regime in Tehran.
4. Zahedi apparently functioning quite satisfactorily. He exudes confidence and is making quite good progress in restoring orderly government although somewhat handicapped by floods of well-wishing visitors including retired army officers confident that jobs now await them. Towards midday he announced he no longer able receive congratulatory visits and he now concentrating on problems connected with formation Cabinet and filling other important positions.
5. Various rumors during course yesterday re return Shah. Differences opinion exist in government circles re best time his return. Understood Zahedi would like to make sure his ability prevent disorders in Tehran before Shah makes entry. He hoped Tehran could be prepared receive Shah no later than August 23. Practically every auto in city continues carry pictures Shah and to keep headlights on as sign of support for him. During course of day numerous informal celebrations throughout town.
6. Suggest Baghdad may use this telegram give Shah additional information re control Zahedi Government of country.2 He should not be informed re other passages.
- Transmitted in two sections; repeated to London and Baghdad.↩
- In telegram 613 from Rome, Aug. 20, the Embassy informed the Department and the Embassies in Tehran and Baghdad that the Shah was scheduled to depart Rome for Baghdad around midnight Rome time, arriving in Baghdad about noon on Aug. 21. (788.11/8–2053) Ambassador Henderson informed the Department in telegram 454, Aug. 22, that he and the other chiefs of diplomatic missions met the Shah at the Tehran airport late in the morning of Aug. 22. (788.00/8–2253)↩