155. Memorandum From Vice President Humphrey to President Johnson1
Over the years I have gradually developed an increasing appreciation for what Iran does in the world. The Shah has worked closely with Israel. Iran is the only country in the Middle East contributing directly to South Vietnam.
Recently I met the Shah’s brother socially, as well as several other well informed friends of Iran. Their story is always the same: Please tell the President that unless something happens to change his mind, the [Page 283] Shah is going to buy a package of Soviet arms on the relatively easy credit they dangle in front of him.
Our executive departments are struggling to come up with the right answer; since April they have wrestled each other without decision.
I know how overcrowded your calendar is and I would only suggest adding to it for the most important reasons.
In the present circumstances I feel it would be wonderful if you would invite the Shah to come talk to you. He wants to hear from you personally what a grand guy he is, and how much you love him. He wants to tell you his fears and he needs to be reassured by you. Only the President, himself, can persuade the Shah against taking the step he is now contemplating.
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Iran, Memos & Miscellaneous, Vol. II, 1/66–1/69. No classification marking. Attached to a July 14 draft memorandum from Rostow to the President noting that the Vice President had hit the nub of an Iranian problem they had been struggling with: “When the Shah feels cut off from you, he reads our every act as a rebuff.” It is not clear whether this memorandum was sent to the President. Another copy of the memorandum (ibid., NSC Files of Harold Saunders, Iran 4/1/66–12/31/67), is attached to a July 13 note from Bromley Smith to Wriggins noting that it was for a memorandum from Rostow to the President. A notation in Wriggins’ handwriting on the note reads: “See WWR memo for President 7/19/66” (Document 157).↩