204. Memorandum of Conversation1
SUBJECT
- Presentation of Credentials by Ambassador of Iran
PARTICIPANTS
- The President
- Ambassador Hushang Ansary
- Ambassador James Symington
- Stuart W. Rockwell, Deputy Assistant Secretary, NEA
The following were the substantive comments made during the conversation which took place between the President and Ambassador Ansary after the latter had presented his credentials.
The Ambassador said that Iran believed that the present crisis in the Near East proved the correctness of Iran’s analysis of the situation in the area. Iran felt that it was necessary to resist aggressive forces. Iran counted on continuing United States support for its efforts to promote stability in the area.
The President made no substantive response at this point but in a later reference to the Near East crisis in connection with his appointment later the same day with Foreign Minister Eban remarked that the United States was trying very hard to find a “middle way” to solve the present crisis. “If this could be done“, he said, “a catastrophe could be avoided”. Ambassador Ansary said he believed a “middle way” would be the best way to solve the crisis.
The President, in a separate comment, remarked that he thought the world was in the midst of a period of “testing”. Efforts were being made to get away with acquiring additional territory. He felt it important that this be understood.
Ambassador Ansary referred to the economic progress being made in Iran with special reference to the rate of growth which he described as being exceeded only by Japan.
The President said that he was looking forward to the visit of the Shah and the Empress and that he would very much welcome any views which His Majesty might have on the situation in the Near East.
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Iran, Memos & Miscellaneous, Vol. II, 1/66–1/69. Secret. Drafted by Rockwell and approved by the White House on May 31.↩