Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Iran, 1951–1954, Volume X

788.21/1–754: Telegram

No. 405
The Ambassador in Iran (Henderson) to the Department of State¹

secret

Tehran, January 7, 1954—4 p.m.

1481. Although Shah and Prime Minister Zahedi endeavoring maintain appearance no serious differences between them re elections, it clear neither happy.² Prime Minister for political and personal reasons has given approval candidacy for Majlis number persons who he must know not of highest type and not politically reliable. For instance he understood be supporting certain members last Majlis whose main qualifications are they put up last ditch fight against Mosadeq or gave shelter to Zahedi while latter fugitive from police.…

2. Shah is pulling wires behind scenes for number favorite candidates while avowing he is keeping out of and has no responsibility for elections. Court has been besieged with disappointed politicians who complain about “rigged elections”, “Zahedi’s poor political judgment”, “favoritism shown to corrupt” et cetera, and who frequently receive words sympathy from Shah.

3. Ala, Minister Court, tells me that several weeks ago Alam, Chief of Crown Lands, and he at Shah’s request drew up list proposed candidates for Majlis. Shah compared this with Zahedi’s list and was pleased at similarity. Tentative combined list was then prepared. Under pressures various kinds, however, combined list has undergone considerable revision. Number high type candidates replaced by some of poor repute.… On other hand persons close Prime Minister claim Shah showing weakness in matter candidacy mediocre people as well as extreme nationalist demagogues; that he even goes so far as to intimate no reason why Maki should not run.

4. Ala who has been target during recent years of old time politicians is being subjected to particularly heavy fire by those not included in list. Alam who being increasingly talked of as Ala’s successor not in general being blamed.

5. Ala told me evening January 6 he much concerned re Senatorial elections. He feared that government in anxiety to get Majlis which would support it had been paying too little attention to Senate. Rumors were current that Tudeh and Iran Party elements were taking advantage this negligence and working hard to get some their most talented rabble-rousers into Upper House. He has warned Zahedi who has promised give this matter more attention.

6. Among critics of elections is Batmanqilich, Chief Staff,.… On January 3 Ala told me Batmanqilich had come to him January with long list complaints. Maintained Zahedi plotting get control armed forces, legislature and civil government apparatus and then overthrow Shah. Zahedi rigging elections so candidates more loyal to him than to Shah would be successful.… Zahedi undoubtedly ambitious. I told Ala I confident Zahedi trying strengthen Shah—not undermine him. Zahedi quite aware his government depended entirely on Shah’s support, it would be disastrous if intriguers would succeed in stirring up serious dissension between Shah and Zahedi.…

7. Charges are also being made by disgruntled politicians that “Americans” have drawn up lists and are dictating elections “just as British used to.” Despite our efforts keep aloof from election tangle it accepted as matter course by wide section Iranian public that our influence re selection candidates can be decisive. We are trying constantly convince incredulous Iranian officials seeking our assistance that we have nothing to do with elections. British to less extent than ourselves also being charged with attempting influence elections through their “agents.”

8. We should not permit ourselves be unduly disturbed at atmosphere dissatisfaction, carping, intrigue, and dissension which envelops elections. This quite normal. If every candidate should be able man with unblemished record, if every election official should be noted for his honesty, atmosphere would still be polluted with charges and countercharges as long as not enough seats in legislature and jobs in government to accommodate all Iranians—and they numerous—with political ambitions. Nevertheless, no doubt neither Shah nor Zahedi has lived up to earlier declarations of determination to back only able honest men who have confidence their respective communities.

Henderson

1. Transmitted in two sections; also sent to London and pouched to Tabriz, Meshed, and Isfahan.
2. Ambassador Henderson reported on Jan. 5 that Radio Tehran had announced that day that Majlis elections would officially begin Jan. 6. He also reported that Zahedi and the Shah had not agreed completely on the candidate list. (Telegram 1462; 788.21/1–554)