Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXII, Iran

213. Telegram From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State¹

Tehran, June 10, 1967, 1650Z.

4900. Subj: Shah’s Desire Assist with Middle East Crisis. Ref: State 209548.²

1. Zahedi called me to Foreign Ministry today to discuss Shah’s interest in playing helpful role in resolution present Middle East crisis. Shah had taken note of 3rd paragraph President’s letter and has been particularly wondering how, in light postponement his own visit to US, we can best arrange exchange of views. Shah has now decided instruct Ansary propose to Department that either US send special emissary to Iran or GOI would be prepared send someone to Washington.

2. Accordingly, Department will no doubt be receiving urgent request for Ansary meeting with appropriate level Department officers discuss this idea.

3. Comment. Zahedi did not give me any idea what moves or suggestions Shah may be considering but perhaps Ansary may be prepared spell things out in somewhat more detail. It would seem Iranians could be particularly helpful in contacts with Feisal and Hussein. In this connection, see Tehran 4899.³ Conceivably they could also play some kind of intermediary role with Iraq.⁴

Thacher

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 IRAN. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Passed to the White House.
2. Document 212.
3. Dated June 10. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 ARAB–ISR)
4. Telegram 210152 to Tehran, June 10, reported that the Department had told Ansary that in view of the fact that the U.S. Government was still studying all aspects of the Middle East situation and formulating its plans, it would seem premature to send a special U.S. representative to Tehran. On the other hand, if the Iranian Government wanted to send a special representative to Washington, U.S. officials would be happy to meet with him if there were no publicity and he realized that top-level U.S. officials were extremely busy. Ansary replied that he would recommend to his government postponing a decision on whether to send a representative to Washington. (Ibid.)