888.2553/9–1254: Telegram
No. 496
The Ambassador in Iran (Henderson) to the Department of State
711. 1. Impression gained from conversations with various deputies and other Iranians some of whom not friendly to government is that Amini speech morning September 21 presenting oil agreement to Majlis great success.1 With Iranian subtlety he answered in advance main arguments which opposition was certain present. He did not pretend agreement all Iran would like to have but indicated it was best obtainable. His speech was masterpiece of personal humility mingled with lofty patriotism and was designed win support extreme nationalists as well as partisans of West. He did not appear in role of suppliant but in most polite terms indicated that government not prepared renegotiate in case Majlis should find agreement not satisfactory.
[Page 1054]2. Newspaper accounts so conflicting we shall not endeavor send full summary until we can obtain official text which we hope will be tomorrow. If Department has received satisfactory summary through other sources please telegraph.
3. Foreign Minister this morning told me government extremely pleased at reception speech and with members elected by Majlis to joint oil committee. He said he personally would have been happier if more opponents to agreement would have been elected since he would prefer give them opportunity vent their views in committee meeting rather than on floor Majlis. Foreign Minister also stated that Senate today was electing its members to joint oil committee so that joint committee would probably be given until September 25 to study agreements; and that it would meet on that date with Finance Ministry and oil experts who would be prepared answer questions and give explanations. Plan was joint committee would make its report to two houses Parliament October 2. It was hoped ratification could be achieved by October 9.
4. Embassy obtained this afternoon list members elected by Senate to oil committee which it is analyzing. Our first impression is that only member likely make real trouble is Lesani. Details later.
The Embassy in Tehran telegraphed the text of the single article bill which Finance Minister Amini had introduced to the Majlis on Sept. 21 in telegram 733, Sept. 25. It reads as follows:
“Single article: The National Consultative Assembly ratifies and authorizes the Government to enforce and exchange the attached agreement, the first part of which includes 51 articles and two supplements re the sale and purchase of oil and gas and re the manner in which the operations specified in the agreement are to be managed, and which is signed by Iran and the National Iranian Oil Company on the one hand [and] by the Gulf Oil Corporation, Socony Vacuum Company, Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, Standard Oil Company of California, the Texas Oil Company, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, Limited, N. V. Bataafsche Petroleum Maatschappij and the Compagnie Francaise des Petroles on the other hand (and according to article three of the agreement also signed by the operating companies): and the second part of which includes five articles re compensation and which is signed by Iran and the NIOC on the one hand and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company on the other hand.
“All laws and provisions which are in contradiction with this law are cancelled.” (888.2553/9–2554)
↩