3. Memorandum From Harold H. Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to Robert W. Komer of the National Security Council Staff1
RWK:
Bob Macy came back to plan the phase-out of the Iranian program. Though he originally argued we’d have to continue development lending to retain influence, he’s now reconciled to its end.
The big question now is how Macy plans to retain maximum influence in Iran’s economic machinery with the few top-level advisers we can keep there. How many people would he need? What kind? Does he have suitable ones on board now? What are his best channels to key points in Iranian decision making? What can we use for leverage (What about MAP?)?
Wheeler doesn’t think you’ll have to argue with Macy so much as enthuse him. Why not make your speech about “getting more for less”? Paint him a picture of how, as Congress cuts our aid resources, we have to find new ways to push our interests in important countries like Iran. We’re looking to guys like Macy to come up with new techniques.
May I sit in?
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Robert W. Komer Files, Iran, November 1963–December 1964. Confidential.↩