891.852/11–2047: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Allen) to the Secretary of State
urgent
1136. Deptel 723, November 18.1 Prime Minister Qavam expressed keen disappointment yesterday over rejection of Iran ship purchase application. He telephoned again today to urge that this Embassy support the Iranian application, which he said was regarded as of greatest importance by Iranian Government.
While it is difficult for this Embassy to estimate number of ships Iran could advantageously use, a small Iranian Merchant Marine would serve as important auxiliary arm to Iran security forces and, therefore, would be in keeping with our efforts to strengthen Iran’s security. Vessels would also be potentially of great importance to Iran in case situation arises in which Iran needs assured means of importing minimum requirements under its own flag. Irans hope they may be able transport in their own ships military supplies to be purchased from US.
I recommend that at least three or four vessels be sold to Iran. It would be tangible evidence of our willingness to assist Iran in the postwar era as promised specifically by President Roosevelt in Declaration Regarding Iran. Our failure to do so would constitute one further discouragement and disappointment as regards fulfillment of those assurances.
- Not printed; the Department noted that steps were being taken by the Iranian Embassy to revise and supplement its application for reconsideration by the Maritime Commission and that the Department would give appropriate support (891.852/11–1347).↩