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

9. Shah’s Trip to USSR. During Fourth of July reception today Aram told me briefly that Shah’s trip to U.S.S.R. had been extremely interesting and marked by unusual warmth of reception. There were many discussions but no important substantive decisions were taken. Specifically, no final decision was taken about possibility of Soviets constructing steel mill here, although Soviet Ambassador quoted in press this morning as saying U.S.S.R. ready to go ahead if Iran will agree. Aram said this matter would be further explored with Soviets.

Aram stated that Shah had explained and defended U.S. policy in Viet-nam “even better than President Johnson.” This had made Russians very angry. They had pressed hard to have their point of view on Viet-nam included in final communique, and when Iranians refused, discussion of communique almost terminated. I thanked Aram, and said I was sure President would be very grateful to Shah for what he had done.

Aram promised to fill me in later in more detail.2

Rockwell
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7 IRAN. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Moscow.
  2. Telegram 36 to Tehran, July 14, instructed the Ambassador to ask Aram to inform the Shah of the fact that the President had taken a personal interest in his Soviet visit. The President was particularly heartened by the Shah’s strong stand on Vietnam and asked that the Shah be told of his personal pleasure at this further example of the aims shared by their two governments. (Ibid.)