888.2553/11–553: Telegram
No. 380
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom
(Aldrich) to the
Department of State1
1965. Ambassador and Hoover lunched today with Eden, Dixon, Maud and Rowan. British restated emphatic desire for resumption diplomatic relations with Iran prior to any negotiations. They further regarded Iranian memorandum (Tehran’s 1022) entirely unacceptable, especially first paragraph and emphasized their complete approbation former conduct AIOC in Iran. They expressed concern at proposed minority position for AIOC in particular or British in general and indicated 51 percent British participation as minimum in consortium. Despite friendliness of atmosphere, no doubt about firmness of British position.
Ambassador and Hoover volunteered US Government had in no way urged on Iranians any American participation in consortium, notwithstanding some press reports to that effect.
At subsequent meeting Foreign Office with same group as November 4 meeting,2 British stated memorandum unacceptable and they would prefer not to have it. They insisted on handing it back, their position being that they had never seen it. They reiterated resumption diplomatic relations must precede negotiations whether on principles or details. Their attitude based largely on view that any negotiations, even on principles, will undoubtedly be prolonged and, therefore, best place relations on normal footing first.
British proposals emerging from today’s meeting now being put to Eden for his views and will be telegraphed soonest to Ambassador Henderson for his comments.3 In substance, proposals represent case for resumption relations prior to negotiations and embody conciliatory message from Eden to Zahedi.