Office of the Historian

201. Memorandum of Conversation1

Washington, October 23, 1968, 12:33-1 p.m.

SUBJECT

  • Situation in Iraq

PARTICIPANTS

  • H.E. Ardeshir Zahedi, Foreign Minister of Iran
  • H.E. Hushang Ansary, Ambassador of Iran
  • H.E. Manuchehr Fartash, Political Director General, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Mr. Hushang Batmanglidj, Supervisor, RCD Affairs, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • The Hon. Dean Rusk, Secretary of State
  • Mr. Stuart W. Rockwell, Deputy Assistant Secretary, NEA
  • Mr. Walter M. McClelland, Office of Iranian Affairs, NEA

In response to a question from Ambassador Hart, Mr. Zahedi said that no one knew the real situation in Iraq since it changes from day to day. The new Iraqi Government has been pleasant toward Iran and has not attacked it with propaganda, but the Iraqis never seem to take any action to carry out their “good words.” It appears that there is no strong hand at the top and that the government is trying to keep everyone happy—Nasserites, Baathis, and Mulla Mustafa. This is impossible. Mr. Zahedi said each succeeding government just tries to see how long it can last and can make no progress.

Mr. Zahedi added that Iran has tried to maintain good relations with Iraq. There have been reciprocal visits and talks between Foreign Ministers, etc. Iran is interested in Iraq’s remaining independent, but Iran can only hope—it sees no positive signs.

Mr. Zahedi said there were no pilgrims from Iran to Iraq last year, but that this year the situation will be back to normal and Iranian pilgrims will be permitted to go.

  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL IRAN-IRAQ. Confidential. Drafted by McClelland and approved in the Office of the Secretary on October 29. The memorandum is Part VI of VI. The meeting was held at the Department of State and the time is taken from Rusk’s Daily Diary. (Johnson Library)↩