249. Telegram From the Embassy in Iran to the Department of State1
Tehran, November 26, 1967,
1515Z.
2248. Russia and Mideast.
- 1.
- During course of nearly three-hour discussion with Shah 22nd, Governor Harriman inquired re state of Iran-U.S.S.R. relations. Shah said as long as Soviets behave themselves relations will continue good. He revealed Kosygin will be visiting Iran, probably in January.
- 2.
- Shah said when his arms purchaser General Toufanian was in USSR Soviets fell all over themselves to be gracious. They openly declared that Iranians were with them “in the front trenches,” i.e. threatened by ChiComs. To Harriman’s request re quality Soviet military equipment, Shah said trucks are satisfactory although they burn more gas than American trucks and some of them have been having trouble with jammed pistons.
- 3.
- Re Mideast generally, Harriman expressed view that while there are areas where U.S.-U.S.S.R. cooperation is feasible, e.g., non-proliferation and China, there are other areas such as Mideast where this not true. [Page 448] Shah stressed view Soviets intent on trouble-making and keeping Mideast pot boiling. This clear from their rearmament of radical Arab states.
- 4.
- This afforded Shah opportunity harp on theme that Soviet objectives being facilitated by moderate Arab states who are oil producers, i.e. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, keeping Nasser afloat via financial subsidies. Asked whether these are dependable sources of UAR revenue, Shah said if Nasser cannot get hostage money from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait he will intensify his endeavors to “swallow them up.”
- 5.
- Harriman stressed importance of securing passage of meaningful resolution at UNSC, e.g., British resolution, which could serve as base for stabilizing Mideast situation. Three times during conversation, Harriman urged Shah to impress on King Faisal need for giving solid support to moderate course which King Hussein is pursuing.
- 6.
- Shah noted he has consistently encouraged King Hussein as well as Saudis to follow moderate course since hostilities against Israel are highly counter-productive.
- 7.
- In Shah’s view Faisal is progressive leader worthy of encouragement and support even though Saudi Kingdom is still “archaic.” Saudi-Iranian relations are good, except for median line problem in Persian Gulf. Re this issue, Shah outlined Iranian position in terms similar to those reported in A–2662 (following). He expressed hope that two countries and two American oil companies could work out some sort of joint venture solution.
- 8.
- Asked by Harrison re British MinState Robert’s’ recent visit, Shah said affirmation that British will stay in Gulf area was welcome. At same time, he said, clearly British cannot remain there permanently. For this reason, Iran is determined to continue to build up its own military strength so that it will be “in balance” with that of other states in area. It also accounts for Iran’s desire to develop closer and cooperative relationships with various Gulf riparian states.
Meyer