788.5/6–554: Telegram
No. 473
The Ambassador in Iran (Henderson) to the Department of State
2479. 1. During my last two conversations with Shah May 27 and June 1, he stressed his anxiety at delays in reorganizing Iranian Armed Forces on basis which would give them defense capabilities. He said it had been almost eight months since he had first discussed matter with me and almost three months since I had told him that US Government thought that Iran should have certain defense capabilities. He had discussed matter with General McClure as I had suggested; he understood that General McClure had been working on plans and had sent certain suggestions to Washington. For some reason, however, which Shah could not understand nothing concrete seemed happen. He beginning wonder whether US Government seriously interested assisting Iran in creating Iranian army which would play role in Middle East defense. Were there differences within US Armed Forces or between US governmental departments as to role which Iranian Armed Forces might or could play; were differences between US and UK Governments [Page 1024] responsible for what appeared to be indecisiveness and delays? In his opinion time pressing. For moment eyes free world focused on Southeast Asia. Spotlight might at any time, however, shift to Middle East. He said that if US Government did not seriously intend without delay to help Iran create armed forces capable defensive action, he hoped he would be told so frankly so he and his country would know what to expect.
2. I told Shah there could be no doubt US Government ascribed much importance to Iran’s potential contributions to Middle East defense. It my understanding General McClure had made certain recommendations to defense authorities in Washington and was awaiting their reaction. His Majesty could realize that questions this kind highly technical; many factors to be considered. I sure he would agree it important correct basis be laid for reorganization Iranian Armed Forces. All of us might have cause later to regret overhasty action. In meantime it seemed to me emphasis might be placed on energetic training so various units could learn to make most effective use of weapons which they already had and to take best advantage of Iranian terrain. Shah said chief of staff endeavoring activate training activities but handicapped by lack funds. Iranian budget unable at present finance kind of training he would like to see troops have.
In his opinion Army doing best it could in matter training with limited means its disposal.
3. General McClure in series of telegrams to Department Army1 has made number recommendations re strengthening and supplying Iranian Armed Forces. I confident these recommendations being given careful and sympathetic consideration and hope it will be possible for decision to be reached without protracted delay which sure further discourage Shah and other Iranian leaders responsible for defense Iran.
- None found in Department of State files.↩