212. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Iran1
209548. 1. Please deliver to Shah following message from President dated June 8, 1967:
“Your Imperial Majesty:”
“I very much appreciate the kind letter you sent me from Paris.2 I fully understand why you felt obliged to return home directly from Paris, but wish you to know not only how much Mrs. Johnson and I will miss seeing you and the Empress on this occasion but also how disappointed I am not to have this opportunity to discuss our mutual concerns especially in the Middle East. I hope we will be able to get together soon and that you will let me know when it would be convenient for you to come to Washington.”
[Page 391]“Meanwhile, Your Majesty, I assure you that in these troubled times I deeply appreciate your counsel and Iran’s constructive position in world affairs. Ambassador Harriman has informed me of his conversations with you in Paris and of your desire to continue a close exchange of views. That is my desire too.”
“I have just learned that the UAR as well as Israel have accepted a cease-fire. I would greatly welcome your thoughts as to how we might proceed in trying to bring stable peace, prosperity, and regional cooperation to the Middle East, out of the wreckage of this crisis.”
“Mrs. Johnson and I extend our very warmest personal wishes to you and the Empress and also to the Iranian people whose progress under your leadership is greatly admired by Americans everywhere.”
“Sincerely,”
Lyndon B. Johnson”
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 IRAN. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Drafted at the White House. Cleared by Bromley Smith and Meyer and in draft by Deputy Chief of Protocol Chester C. Carter and Special Assistant to the Deputy Under Secretary for Political Affairs Stephen Low; and approved by Handley.↩
- Document 209.↩