711.91/94: Telegram

The Minister in Iran ( Dreyfus ) to the Secretary of State

423. My 363, April 7. I have on several occasions pressed Soviet Ambassador for reply to my aide-mémoire. I have feeling that if he did in fact forward it to Moscow he does not expect to receive a reply. Yesterday in answer to my inquiry he stated smilingly “What difference would a reply make when relations between our two Missions are so good.” General Hurley73 informs me Soviet Ambassador told him in a confidential talk that relations between Soviet and American Diplomatic Missions in Iran are excellent. I am in accord with this statement although I have pointed out to Department difficulty of negotiating with Soviets here. However, I have recently observed a slight improvement in this regard. For example Soviet Embassy has now agreed to grant permit to Colonel Schwarzkopf for travel to Bosht [Resht?] on an official inspection trip.

Repeated to Moscow.

Dreyfus
  1. Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Hurley; President Roosevelt had designated General Hurley as Personal Representative of the President to act as observer and to report directly to him upon general conditions in Egypt, Syria and Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia.