791.003/64a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Persia (Philip)
[Paraphrase]
Washington, December 29,
1927—5 p.m.
75. Since termination of the treaty of 1856 between the United States and Persia is possible next May, the Department wishes an early written report from you with your observations regarding the following:2
- (1)
- The Persian Government’s present views as to the evident disinclination of the treaty powers to initiate negotiations shortly in order to conclude new treaties.
- (2)
- The policy which the Persian Government envisages in order to meet the situation on May 10, 1928, if there are no new agreements with the treaty powers.
- (3)
- What effectual reforms, if any, Davar3 has accomplished in the Persian judiciary and the nature of new codes, if any, which Persia may propose promulgating before the present treaties lapse. Included in this should be a consideration of the presumable attitude toward such legislation of the Medjliss and the chances for Davar to complete the work he has begun.
- (4)
- Any indication of the Persian Government being disposed to extend the period in which the present treaties are valid or being ready to consider signature of a modus vivendi to preserve the status quo and to afford most-favored-nation treatment.
- (5)
- The attitude at present of your colleagues, especially the British, toward this question, and your views concerning the possible effect of the recently negotiated Perso-Soviet agreements on British policy in Persia.4
- (6)
- Your views regarding the best means, in the absence of either a formal treaty or a modus vivendi, of affording proper protection to American interests in Persia.
Kellogg