891.51/11–2847: Telegram
The Ambassador in Iran (Allen) to the Secretary of State
1165. Two days ago Qavam’s closest associate, Izaz Nikpey, Majlis deputy from Isfahan told me at Qavam’s request that Qavam had recently had renewed indication of Shah’s dissatisfaction with him and that Qavam was on point of inviting Shah to dismiss him. In response to Nikpey’s question whether I felt there was any chance of healing breach between Shah and Qavam, I said I thought Qavam had good opportunity to do so by supporting US arms credit in Majlis. I emphasized again that decision on arms question was entirely for Iran to make but that if Government considered credit desirable, I believed Qavam could put it across.
Nikpey called today to say Qavam had decided to support credit in Majlis. Nikpey felt confident it would pass and hoped Qavam’s support of military measure would do much to placate Shah.
I should add that Nikpey who is probably leading pro-British deputy in Majlis assured me that he and his friends in Majlis favored arms credit strongly. This is good indication that reported British opposition to credit (Deptel 725, November 18) is not serious. I am confident that whatever undercover British opposition there may be does not stem from Ambassador and probably comes from Military Attaché Pybus and Air Attaché Hughes.
In view of Deptel 725, I discussed question with British Ambassador yesterday. He said he agreed 100% with my view that matter should be presented to Majlis and full debate encouraged. I did not feel warranted in taxing him directly with alleged British opposition since I could not support accusation and since all evidence I have indicates he is at least neutral. Moreover, I could hardly ask him to advise his Iranian friends to support project since we ourselves are refraining from advising Iranians in matter. Active British interest on behalf of project would probably do more harm than good and such British opposition as there is may do more good than harm.
If Qavam in fact presents credit to Majlis and supports it strongly, he will deserve considerable credit. He knows that his enemies will take advantage of his act to declare that he is an American tool and he strongly objects to being considered tool of anyone. Ironically enough if he supports credit, he will incur this criticism and risk defeat of his Government for sake of army which he distrusts.
Sent Department 1165; repeated London 153.