891.51A/377: Telegram
The Minister in Persia (Philip) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 30—2:15 p.m.]
50. Department’s 36, July 28, 5 p.m., delivered on 30th instant.21 My telegram No. 49, July 22, 11 a.m. Millspaugh refused and will leave August 3rd or 4th. Medjliss voted bill 28th instant appointing Prime Minister as Acting Administrator General for unexpired period of Millspaugh’s contract. Majority mission members believe their positions will be rendered untenable and that the action of the Government has invalidated their contracts which render them directly accountable to a nongovernmental administrator general, et cetera. Rather than resign, losing all claims to indemnity and traveling expenses, they contemplate remaining temporarily, in the expectation that the Government will either dismiss them or otherwise render itself liable to such claims.
The Shah seems to be squarely behind Teimourtache and Firouz who control this matter. In the absence of the assistance of the Government or a more serious-minded public opinion, neither of which seems probable, the situation does not appear to me capable of favorable adjustment. I have advised Millspaugh to leave as soon as possible and the other members of the mission to avoid any action which might unfavorably affect public sympathy with the mission. It is remotely possible that circumstances may force the Government ultimately to decide to continue the mission with unchanged powers probably under a new administrator general but at present there is no indication of this.
- Not printed.↩