DEPARTMENT OF STATE Memorandum of Conversation
DATE: October 3, 1952
SUBJECT: Call of the Iranian Ambassador
PARTICIPANTS: Iranian Ambassador Allah-Yar Saleh The Secretary Mr. John H. Stutesman, Jr.
COPIES TO: S/S NEA EUR
At my request Ambassador Saleh came to my office at 3:00 p.m. October 3. I referred to a United Press story from Tehran reporting that Dr. Mosadeq was considering withdrawing Iranian diplomatic representatives from London and was polling Iranians at home and abroad to determine which country should handle Iran's interests in Britain in such an eventuality. I pointed out that the report, if true, had very disturbing implications, particularly if the Iranian Government was planning to demand withdrawal of British diplomatic representatives from Tehran.
Ambassador Saleh said that he had received no official communication on this subject from his Government, but personally felt that the news story was somewhat exaggerated. He doubted very much that Dr. Mosadeq was requesting a "referendum" regarding the withdrawal of Iranian diplomats from London but rather was seeking the advice of some Parliamentary and other leaders in Iran. The Ambassador also stated that he did not believe that it was Dr. Mosadeq's intention to demand the withdrawal of British representatives from Tehran, although he warned that Dr. Mosadeq was, to some extent, a prisoner of the situation in Iran and was constantly under pressure to take some "desperate" action.
- 2 -
I pointed out that it would be most unfortunate if any moves were taken which would make it more difficult for the Iranians and British to discuss problems of mutual concern. I emphasized that I had not discussed this matter with any diplomatic colleagues and was expressing my personal views in the hope that they might have some value if conveyed to Prime Minister Mosadeq.
Ambassador Saleh said he would inform Dr. Mosadeq of these views and add the weight of his own personal advice against breaking diplomatic relations with the British. It was decided that the press would be informed that our discussion was of a general nature regarding Iranian affairs.
NEA:GTI:JHStutesman:br