Office of the Historian

891.77/708: Telegram

The Minister in Iran (Dreyfus) to the Secretary of State

Tehran, December 13, 1942—2 p.m.
[Received 9:30 p.m.]

435. Subject of Department’s 34159 discussed with Foreign Minister60 who has given consent of Iran Government to American operation southern section Trans-Iranian Railway subject to approval British and Russian Governments as required by Tripartite Pact.61 British approval given and Soviet Ambassador has requested authority from his Government for similar approval.

After stressing pleasure of Iranians to have railroad operated by Americans, Prime Minister suggested since operation necessitated presence of American Armed Forces in Iran their presence should be regularized by signing agreement between our two Governments. Department’s instructions in this regard would be appreciated.

General Andrews62 now in Tehran urged the advisability of arranging with Iran Government that jurisdiction over infractions of law by members of United States Forces should remain with United States authorities.

Dreyfus
  1. Supra.↩
  2. All Soheily.↩
  3. Treaty of Alliance, signed at Tehran, January 29, 1942, Department of State Bulletin, March 21, 1942, p. 249.↩
  4. Lt. Gen. Frank M. Andrews, Commander of American Forces in the Middle Bast.↩