Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVIII, Near East, 1962–1963

144. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Iran⁰

Washington, January 28, 1963, 7:11 p.m.

553. Ref Embtel 636.¹ Based on evidence cited reftel as well as such devices employment toughs against students (Embtel 631), we share your concern about unnecessary creation extremist reactions.² Although ticklish problem like this clearly not susceptible any overt approach, suggest you utilize any opportunities that may present themselves to encourage Shah to feel that he is fully in command of situation and that it therefore not necessary, and possibly counter-productive, for him to repress opposition in ways suggestive of dictatorial approach. Recognize strong personal reactions to direct attacks and NF Congress might turn Shah in direction increasingly hard line, particularly before Majlis elections, but hope he will eventually realize wisdom of moderate course toward non-communist opposition.

Further Embassy comments will be appreciated.³

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 788.00/1–2663. Confidential. Drafted by Tiger (NEA/GTI), cleared in draft by Crawford, and approved by Bowling.
1. Dated January 26. (Ibid., 888.00/1–2663)
2. On January 23 in telegram 628 from Tehran, Holmes reported that the previous day an anti-referendum, anti-land reform proclamation signed by leading Ayatollahs was circulated throughout Tehran and that the Ayatollahs had been collaborating with the National Front in opposing the Shah’s reform program. Prime Minister Alam publicly threatened to crush dissenters. (Ibid., 788.00/1–2363) In telegram 629, January 23, the Embassy in Tehran reported that the Iranian Government was organizing pro-referendum demonstrations and making a show of military force. All mosques in Qom were to be closed during a January 24 visit of the Shah. In telegram 631 from Tehran, January 24, the Embassy reported that the Iranian police had occupied Tehran University and expelled demonstrating students from campus. Pro-Shah demonstrators armed with sticks had entered the campus and attacked students. (Both ibid., 788.00/1–2363) Additional reports from Tehran on these disturbances are ibid., 788.00, 788.11, and 888.432.
3. In telegram 568 to Tehran, February 1, the Department of State informed the Embassy that it continued to receive information indicating that the Shah intended to take repressive measures against the National Front and other non-Communist opposition and advised: “It is our tentative opinion that such measures will drive opposition leadership into extremist and foreign-supported hands and will tarnish Shah’s new reputation in West.” The Department requested the Embassy’s views on “nature and extent dangers new repressive policy and what if anything US could do to reverse or mitigate unfavorable aspects.” (Ibid., POL 12 IRAN) Holmes responded in telegrams 670 and 683 from Tehran, February 5 and 9. (Both ibid.) See the Supplement, the compilation on Iran.