Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Iran, 1951–1954, Volume X

Eisenhower Library, Eisenhower papers, Whitman file

No. 482
Memorandum by the Secretary of State to the President

confidential

Washington, July 3, 1954.

Subject:

• Proposed Visit to the United States by the Shah of Iran

The Shah of Iran has told Ambassador Henderson that he and the Queen want to make an informal and unofficial visit to the United States this fall after an agreement is reached in the oil dispute. He has also indicated that he might wish at that time to discuss informally with appropriate officials our views as to Iran’s future role in the defense of the Middle East.

It would be most difficult to refuse to welcome the Shah. In my opinion, moreover, his visit, if handled appropriately, would be to the net advantage of the United States. I, therefore, suggest that Ambassador Henderson be authorized to inform the Shah that a visit to the United States would be welcome along the following lines: (1) that there is an oil settlement; (2) that the visit would be official only for the three days which he would spend in Washington and would then become unofficial for the rest of his American tour; and (3) that appropriate officials of the Government would be prepared to discuss privately and informally subjects which the Shah might raise, provided the Shah’s views on these subjects were made known to us in advance.

Since the exact date of the visit cannot be determined until after an oil settlement is reached, I suggest that we leave this question to be worked out by the Department at a later date in accordance with your schedule. Your participation could be kept to a minimum.

If you concur, I shall inform Ambassador Henderson accordingly.¹

John Foster Dulles

1. The following handwritten note by the President appears on the source text: “O.K. But in no event to be earlier than Nov. 1.” In a memorandum dated July 6, Ann Whitman, the President’s personal secretary, informed Secretary Dulles of the President’s decision. (Eisenhower Library, Eisenhower papers, Whitman file) The Secretary informed Ambassador Henderson the following day, July 7, in telegram 35, to notify the Shah of the President’s approval in principle of a visit. (788.11/7754)