888.2553/7–951: Telegram
No. 39
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in
Iran1
priority
49. Personal for Amb from the Secretary. I am deeply concerned at initial reaction of Mosadeq to President’s msg which you reported in Embtel 109 July 9,2 and at probable effect which summary rejection by Mosadeq of President’s proposals wld have on US prestige in Iran, future US-Iranian relations, and possibility of US playing constructive role in settlement of oil dispute. Assume that you had this danger fully in mind when you presented msg and that President’s proposals were put forward as forcefully as possible during your conversation. I am particularly concerned that question of Harriman’s coming to Tehran was not raised, since this is the one new positive element contained in President’s proposal and is step to which President and I both attach greatest significance.
I cannot believe that Mosadeq’s initial reaction will, upon reflection, be his final one. Considerations of courtesy will lead him, I am convinced, to take no hasty or abrupt action, to give President’s msg full consideration and to receive President’s personal rep who can give both you and Mosadeq the benefit of the great thought which President has put to this matter and receive any suggestions which Mosadeq may have.
Therefore request that you see Mosadeq again as speedily as possible and in the tactful way which I know you will employ urge these considerations upon him. You might, in this connection, point out to him the adverse effect which rejection of President’s very sincere attempt to be constructive might have on attitude of US and other countries towards Iran. You might emphasize that President’s proposal is attempt to inject new element into situation which in our judgment is deteriorating rapidly and holds grave consequences for future. If you consider appropriate you might urge reconsideration by Iranian cabinet of reply to ICJ.
FYI, intent of President’s msg was to link Harriman’s coming with ICJ recommendation in order to emphasize our support of ICJ and facilitate acceptance its proposal or some variation thereof by [Page 89] IranGov. Wording of President’s msg was, however, purposely left general so that Harriman’s coming might be considered independently from ICJ suggestion. We believe, even if ICJ recommendation is rejected irrevocably by Iranians, Harriman’s visit cld perform constructive role. I wld, therefore, appreciate it if you wld on personal basis facilitate the Iranians coming to that conclusion.
- Drafted by Acheson and McGhee, cleared by Matthews, and signed by Acheson.↩
- See footnote 2, supra.↩