888.2553/11–653: Telegram
No. 381
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom
(Aldrich) to the
Department of State1
1969. Following suggested and drafted by British and approved by Eden, Rowan and Maud with request it be transmitted by Hoover to Ambassador Henderson:
“After two London discussions with representatives Foreign Office, interested Departments and AIOC, the British have made clear that, in their view, to attempt agree on principles at this stage and at long range would be a disservice both to resumption relations and to eventual production mutually satisfactory solution. The evolution of principles entails resolving so many complexities that much time would be required. British attitude is that resumption relations should be secured forthwith, and that subsequent direct negotiations would be more likely to produce a solution.
- 2.
- It therefore appeared that to leave the memorandum (Tehran’s 10222) with British would not be helpful, and Hoover has not done so.
- 3.
- It became clear also that there was misunderstanding between British and Iranians about connecting resumption of relations with opening of oil negotiations. British state they want former on its own merits, because it is wrong that this estrangement between two traditionally friendly countries should exist. It would thereafter be open to Iranians to suggest oil discussions when they like, and British are quite ready to fall in with their wishes.
- 4.
-
Eden is therefore considering sending Zahedi a message (and/or making a statement in House of Commons) which he hopes would assist Zahedi to agree to exchange Ambassadors forthwith. It would be in following term.
Begin. ‛I am very glad to know that you share my wish for a resumption of diplomatic relations as soon as possible. Obviously our countries should be in normal and direct touch. Let me say at once that there is no difference between our governments that cannot be solved with good will. Certainly it is my sincere belief that a fair and just solution to the oil problem can be found. I should like to endorse the wish expressed recently by Mr. Entezam, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, for a solution based on the twin principles of justice and equity. This is exactly the kind of solution that we want. The problem is complex and will require study and time to [Page 825] solve, and we are perfectly ready to leave the choice of time for discussing it to you. I simply feel that for us to be in direct touch will help us both when that time comes. I suggest, therefore that, by simultaneous announcement in Tehran and London, at a time to be agreed on between us, we announce our decision to exchange Ambassadors again without delay’. [End.]
- 5.
- The message would have to be presented formally by Swiss Minister. But any preliminaries would be left to you.
- 6.
- British would greatly welcome your comments before making up their minds. Do you think that message in those terms, followed perhaps by statement in House, would be enough to bring Zahedi agree resume relations before oil talks? If not, have you any alternative suggestion likely to achieve this object?”
- Sent to Tehran and repeated to the Department.↩
- Document 378.↩