891.00/1940: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Iran (Dreyfus)
317. Your 365, November 9. Regarding undertaking to import wheat, Department feels unable to give stronger guarantee than that contained in text of agreement cabled you, nor do we see how Iranians could expect us to do more than “take all steps within the full limit of our powers”.
With respect to internal distribution, we assume Iranians fear that Soviets will interpose physical obstacles to movement of wheat from Russian-occupied zone, even if adequate transport is available. We cannot undertake to control action by Soviets, nor could we well use British or American trucks to bring wheat out of Azerbaijan and Khorassan in the face of Russian opposition. However, in your discretion, you may assure Prime Minister that this Government will, if occasion arises, endeavor to use its influence with Soviet Government to ensure that Iranians are permitted to move surplus grain from Soviet zone to other parts of Iran.
Russian Ambassador London has stated his Government may wish to become a party to wheat declaration and also participate in Transport Committee. Department and Foreign Office seem to be agreed that there would be no objection to this, provided Russians assume corresponding obligations and provided conclusion and publication of wheat agreement is not, thereby, delayed. If Russians, in fact, join in wheat undertaking, you are authorized to propose insertion in draft agreement of a provision by which the American, British and Soviet Governments would undertake not to interpose obstacles to the free transportation of cereals, from whatever source derived, from one part of Iran to another.