Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Near East Region; Iran; Iraq, Volume XII

374. Memorandum From the Secretary of State to the President¹

Washington, December 7, 1956.

SUBJECT

• Suggested Reply to a Letter from the Shah of Iran

In his letter to you, dated November 20, 1956,² the Shah of Iran offered his congratulations for your recent re-election.

The Shah took the occasion to refer to recent events in the Middle East and Europe and to draw your attention to Iran’s strategic position, its military weakness and need for increased military, economic and financial aid. He suggested that you send a personal representative to Iran to examine the situation.

This letter is similar to previous requests by the Shah. I do not believe your response should include new offers of aid or acceptance of the proposal to send a personal representative. We are going forward with substantial military and economic aid programs. Since Iran’s real problem stems from its exposed strategic position and sense of insecurity, we believe that the November 29 Department of State press release on the Baghdad Pact³ will be of considerable help.

I suggest that your reply be responsive to the Shah’s genuine fears but that the point be made that Iran’s true safety lies in collective security and cooperation with the Free World. I also suggest that, in line with the recent press release, you affirm personally to the Shah the gravity with which the United States would view a threat to the territorial integrity or political independence of Iran.

Enclosed is a suggested reply from you to the Shah. If you agree, Ambassador Chapin will be authorized to convey the text of this letter to the Shah, mentioning that it will be followed shortly by the signed original.

John Foster Dulles⁴

[Enclosure]

Letter From President Eisenhower to Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi⁵

Your Imperial Majesty: Thank you most sincerely for your letter of November twentieth and for your kind words about my re-election.

Your views regarding recent events in Europe and in the Middle East I have read with care and with great interest. As we face the dangers of which you speak, there can be no doubt in our minds that the free world must base its hopes for peace more and more upon the joint efforts of free nations and upon their regional associations.

Iran can indeed be proud of the part it is playing, along with its neighbors, in the efforts to restore peace and to maintain security in the Middle East. Given close cooperation between free nations in collective efforts to maintain peace, even the largest nations cannot act with impunity and the nations that may be exposed to danger are not alone. The validity of this principle was clearly demonstrated in 1946, when Iran regained sovereign control over its northwest territories.

I have especially noted Your Majesty’s words about the lack of preparation to face a sudden emergency. This is, indeed, a problem of mutual concern. The United States has in recent years attempted to assist Iran in strengthening its economy and its armed forces. Such assistance will, of course, continue, insofar as our capabilities and the requirements of the rest of the free world will permit. I am confident that with continued close cooperation between the Government of Iran and the various United States Missions in Iran this aid will produce even more important gains for Iran than have been registered in the past.

The needs of Iran and the demands of her unique position in the Middle East are being given our constant attention. Our Ambassador and the members of our missions have reported fully on the requirements of Iran and the problems with which it is faced. Moreover, the Congress is soon to have the benefit of Mr. Armour’s special study of conditions. In the circumstances, I do not believe a special representative is required for further study at this time.

The causes of the dangers which have threatened the Middle East and the means of dealing with them are being given the most careful and urgent consideration by the United States Government. The firm and helpful position adopted by Iran is one of the very reassuring elements in the present situation. I continue to regard any threats to Iran’s territorial integrity and political independence as a matter of the utmost gravity.⁶

With best wishes and warmest regard,

Sincerely,

Dwight D. Eisenhower

1. Source: Department of State, Presidential Correspondence: Lot 64 D 206, King Saud/Eisenhower. Drafted by Hannah.
2. Document 370.
3. See Document 152.
4. Printed from a copy that bears this stamped signature.
5. Transmitted initially in telegram 1111 to Tehran, December 10. (Department of State, Central Files, 711.11–EI/12–1056)
6. The last two sentences in this letter as transmitted to Tehran in telegram 1111 originally read as follows: “The firm and helpful position adopted by Iran is one of the very reassuring elements in the present situation and, for this reason, I continue to regard any threats to Iran’s territorial integrity and political independence as a matter of the utmost gravity.” As Chapin pointed out in telegram 895 from Tehran, December 11, the sentence was misleading and ill-constructed, equating Iranian help in the Suez crisis with support for Iran’s territorial integrity. Chapin suggested elimination of the phrase “and, for that reason,” and beginning a new sentence with “I continue.” According to telegram 1126 to Tehran, December 12, the President approved the change. Telegrams 895 from Tehran and 1126 to Tehran are both Ibid., 711.11–EI/12–1156.