888.2553/10–1253: Telegram

No. 375
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1

secret
priority

1964. At your earliest convenience deliver following message from Secretary to Eden:

“Thank you for your message of October 7 and particularly your kind words about Loy Henderson. It is pleasant to know you share our view that he has shown remarkable skill in handling a very complicated problem.

“It seems there may be an opportunity now to move forward rapidly in Iran and I consider the views put forward in your message most helpful. Hoover, who will soon be in Iran, will bring you a first-hand report on the situation there, probably within another two weeks. I do appreciate your agreement that he go directly to Tehran. I know that he will have some interesting news to report upon Iranian attitudes and their understanding of the problems involved in putting Iranian oil back on the world market.

“We thoroughly understand your feelings about the desirability of early reestablishment of diplomatic relations and your hope that full advantage will be taken of whatever opportunities may arise to push for the final settlement of the long-standing oil dispute. Hoover understands that the question of an interim settlement is to be discussed only under general terms and only if there seems to be no chance in the present atmosphere of pressing for an early and complete settlement of the issues in the dispute.”

Dulles
  1. Repeated to Tehran. Drafted by Statesman, cleared in draft by Raynor, Hoover, and the Secretary of State, and approved by Richards.