611.9131/111

Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Gordon P. Merriam of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs

Participants: The Iranian Minister (Mr. Schayesteh)
The Iranian Trade Representative (Mr. Amerie)
Mr. Murray
Mr. Alling67
Mr. Deimel68
Mr. Stinebower69
Mr. Merriam

Mr. Murray gave a brief account of the previous attempts which had been made to enter into active negotiations for the conclusion of a reciprocal trade agreement between Iran and the United States, and said that, although neither an announcement of an intention to negotiate nor formal negotiations could be commenced prior to the extension by Congress of the Trade Agreements Act, preliminary conversations would not be precluded. The general nature of reciprocal trade agreements and the procedure involved were explained. Mr. Murray added that Iran might find it possible to open up a market for carpet wool in the United States at this time, because of the fact that certain usual sources of supply, such as India, had been rendered uncertain. However, as carpet wool is on the free list, this particular matter seemed to resolve itself largely into the formation of trading contacts.

Mr. Amerie said that he had received some inquiries from American wool importers and he hoped, with the information which he had supplied, that some trade would follow.

The possibility of marketing Iranian caviar in the United States was discussed, in a general way.

The Iranian Minister said that what his Government had in view was not a temporary strengthening of the economic ties between the two countries for the period of the war, but a long-range program which would continue to operate after the conclusion of the war. The best means for bringing this about, he thought, would be some organization which could advise the Iranian Government on purchases in this country and sell Iranian products. The Iranian Government, he added, would facilitate the operations in Iran of such an organization.

A discussion ensued as to the best sources from which to obtain advice on using some existing organization for what the Iranian Government has in mind, or forming a new one. It was agreed that the [Page 668] Department would explore this question informally, and the hope was expressed that it might be possible to gather some information which would be of interest to the Iranian Minister in a week’s time.

After the conference broke up, the Iranian Minister spoke to Mr. Murray of the hope of his Government that it might be possible to raise a loan in the United States.

  1. Paul H. Alling, Assistant Chief of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs.
  2. Henry L. Deimel, Jr., Assistant Chief of the Division of Commercial Treaties and Agreements.
  3. Leroy D. Stinebower, Assistant Adviser on International Economic Affairs.