788.00/7–2553: Telegram
No. 336
The Chargé in Iran (Mattison) to the Department of State1
secret
Tehran, July 25, 1953—2
p.m.
163. Following is analysis current position Mosadeq Government:
- 1.
- Mosadeq unsure as yet how to exploit July 21 demonstrations.2 Has not yet shown his hand. There are indications, however, that he not adverse to using demonstrations as means emphasizing Tudeh danger to Western world.
- 2.
- Mosadeq uncertain as to
future course for number of reasons:
- a.
- Eisenhower–Mosadeq exchange.
- b.
- Continued absence Ambassador Henderson and uncertainty date return.
- c.
- Fact that “negotiations” with USSR have not caused evidence alarm on our part, and have not so far produced any concrete result that could be publicly exploited.
- d.
- Extreme Tudeh strength displayed at July 21 demonstrations.
- e.
- Domestic economic ills.
- 3.
- There are indications that above factors (principally Eisenhower–Mosadeq exchange) have made some of Mosadeq’s supporters hesitate and question to themselves whether they should continue support. There has been no open doubt expressed but hesitation is evident particularly among more moderate supporters.
- 4.
- In belief, situation continues uncertain. If present trends persist over a period of time whereby each step Mosadeq takes gradually increases his dependence on Tudeh, results too obvious to need elaboration.
Mattison
- Repeated to London and Salzburg for Ambassador Henderson.↩
- Chargé Mattison reported in telegram 142, July 22, that the Tudeh demonstrations the previous day were large and well-organized, and that the Tudeh masses displayed a high degree of discipline. (788.00/7–2253) The Embassy also transmitted a review of the demonstrations to the Department in despatch 56, July 24. (788.00/7–2453)↩