891.20/11–1948: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iran
1096. Nov. 10 Amb Ala and Mil Attaché Mazhari informed Dept MA had reed instructions from Shah to speak “plainly and clearly” to State and Army Depts re plans Shah and Govt if Iran attacked.
Instructions emphasized Iranian orientation to West, necessity of “strengthening the line”, and of putting Iran, through provision adequate materiel, in position join resisting Soviet attack. Ala said Shah and Govt “are determined to defend home soil and desire to join in resisting any aggression undertaken by Soviet”.
In presenting case Mazhari said history of Azerbaijan and oil concessions proved Iranians are capable resisting Soviet pressures and worthy of independence. Therefore US should now give Iran assistance comparable to that provided China, Turkey and Greece. He emphasized vulnerability of Iran, strategic importance and potential as anchor for defensive line extending eastward from Belgium through Turkey to Himalayas. He said he was prepared discuss matter with and answer questions of US mil establishment.
Ala mentioned Dept previously advised caution to avoid provoking Russians. However, Iran had already given Russians various reasons to be provoked including rejection of oil agreement and recent appointment PriMin Sa’ed.1 He felt nothing Iran might do now could be more provocative than what she had previously done. There was therefore no reason hold back on that score.
Queried re course action Shah would take if US indicated it might be able provide assistance, Iranians emphasized present discussion was strictly secret. If Shah recd indication US willingness assist he would consult PriMin, Council Ministers and Majlis leaders (without revealing fact his prior approach to us) and indicate he deemed it time request help from US. Ala said “Majlis and people are absolutely and entirely in favor defending Iran”. He stressed however that Shah must have advance assurance favorable US reaction.
Dept pointed out no defensive line existed and Amer aid to various countries has been offered largely on ad hoc basis each case. Said misunderstanding appears exist re extent American aid being furnished certain countries and ability US furnish such aid. It was emphasized multitude considerations involved in weighing requests for assistance, and where US Rep seeks to be frank and open in discussing problems involved, he may often appear negative. In conversations where consideration given such a problem parties should not be discouraged [Page 199] if structure emerges slowly. Both political and mil considerations must be evaluated by many people; effect on Amer economy must be weighed (demands are far larger than US can hope to meet); strategic questions must obviously be studied by mil men; and finally but not least, if any proposal clears executive branch it must still receive Congressional approval.
Iranians concluded conversation by saying “Against all these forces you must make your decision. We must know who is going to help”.
- Prime Minister Hajir resigned on November 6 and was succeeded by Mohammad Saed.↩