Office of the Historian

235. Backchannel Message From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to the Ambassador to Iran (Farland)1 2

Washington, November 21, 1972

Reference your message 053.

Have read Tehran 6849 and State 210666. I recognize that intelligence appraisal in latter will not be of much help to you in the circumstances and I hold no brief for its tone. Equipment proposals, however, seem steps in right direction but recognize they may not be enough. There are further steps which may be possible, but they would be extremely difficult. Therefore, I will appreciate knowing whether you feel offers described in State 210666 will accomplish the purpose and be seen by Shah as good faith on U.S. part. Assume it is the substance of the offer you are more concerned with than having someone from Washington to present it.

Warm regards.

  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1282, Saunders Files, Middle East Negotiations, Iran 10/1/72–12/31/72. Top Secret. The source text is the White House approved draft as sent for transmission.↩
  2. Kissinger inquired whether the compensation package described for the Shah was sufficient or whether more was required.↩