891.51A/914
The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the
Secretary of State
No. 734
Tehran, November 19,
1943.
[Received December 2.]
Sir: With reference to my telegram No. 1057
dated November 12, 1943, I have the honor to enclose the text of the law
passed by the Majlis on October 24, 1943 authorizing the engagement of
sixty Americans for the American Financial Mission and a list of
positions in the Mission both filled and vacant.
This law would probably have died still-born in the committees of the
Majlis had it not been for the “show-down” precipitated by the recent
resignation of the entire Millspaugh Mission. The passage of this bill,
while it was not considered as important as that of the income tax bill,
was absolutely necessary if the Mission were to continue in Iran. As the
Department is well aware, the previous procedure for the engagement of
members of the mission involving a separate act of the Majlis in each
case, led to interminable delays and the occasional loss of qualified
men who were unwilling and unable to await Majlis action.
[Here follows discussion of personnel problems.]
Respectfully yours,
[Enclosure]
Law of 1 Aban, 1322, for the Engagement of
Sixty Americans
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Article I. The Ministry of Finance, on
the recommendation of the Administrator General of the Finances,
is authorized to employ up to sixty (60) American citizens,
including those already engaged, for
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the various branches of Finance
administration that come-under the Ministry of Finance and the
Administrator General of the Finances.
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Article II. These persons may be paid
annual salaries ranging from $3,500 to $12,500, payable in the
U.S.A. and exempt from the Iranian Income Tax. After one year’s
service in Iran, not more than five of these men may be paid
salaries up to $15,000.
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Article III. The period of service shall
be four years. The commencement of service shall be as from the
date of his departure from the U.S.A.; and, after the lapse of
eight months, the Iranian Government or the said person shall
have the right at any time to terminate his services; but either
party must notify the other party of his intention to cancel the
contract four months before the date of termination.
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Article IV. The lodging, fuel and
lighting expenses of these persons shall be paid by the
Government but they are free to receive instead an allowance
equal to 20% of their salaries.
-
Article V. Travelling expenses to Iran
and return for the said persons and their immediate families
will be paid by the Iranian: Government and also their necessary
travelling expenses inside the country.
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Article VI. If any of the above mentioned
persons should die prior to the expiration of his period of
service, or, because of Government service, should become
disabled, the Iranian Government will pay a sum equal to two
years’ salary to the heirs of the deceased or to himself if he
should be living; and also the return travel expenses of himself
and his family. If death or disability should occur within the
last two years of service, the said person or his heirs will be
entitled to receive only the salary of the remaining period of
service.
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Article VII. If the employment contract
of any of the said persons is cancelled because of causes other
than those mentioned in Article VI, the Iranian Government will
deal fairly with him.
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Article VIII. For each American Director,
an Iranian deputy director will be appointed and the Ministry of
Finance is authorized to give each such deputy director a
suitable rank and salary. The American officials will give to
educated and experienced Iranians the fullest opportunity for
employment and advancement.
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Article IX. Other employment conditions
of the said persons shall be in accordance with the provisions
of the Law approved on 23 Aghrab, 1301.
This Law which consists of 9 Articles passed by the Majless on the
session of 1 Aban, 1322.
President of the Majless
H. Esfandiary
