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transport rights in Middle Eastern countries where funds have been expended to construct or improve airport facilities, that it does not seek ownership, control or exclusive rights and that it trusts no objection will be interposed by British Government. Please consult British Embassy. We desire that no change in present status be made without adequate provision for protection of present United States operations, disposition of property after the war and securing of commercial rights. Department should be kept fully informed.

HULL

811.248/7-1844: Telegram

The Third Secretary of Legation in Iran (Calhoun) to the Secretary of State

TEHRAN, July 18, 1944-7 p. m. [Received July 18-2:20 p. m.]

513. Reference Legation's 498, July 13. Further discreet inquiries regarding Abadan Island property have only confirmed that AngloIranian has applied to acquire an area which probably includes at least part of our military installations. I hesitate to pursue investigations before approaching British since I interpret understanding reached at London by Under Secretary 2 to mean that possible sources of misunderstanding such as this should be frankly discussed before these parties have opportunity to misinterpret them. I am afraid Legation's informal questions may already have given some Iranian officials idea we and British are out to cut each other's throats on this issue. Please instruct.

CALHOUN

811.248/7-2144: Telegram

The Chargé in Iran (Ford) to the Secretary of State

TEHRAN, July 21, 1944-9 p. m. [Received July 21-1:10 p. m.]

519. ReDept's 434, July 18, and my 498, July 13. British Chargé d'Affaires called on me today about another matter and I took occasion to mention reported AIOC application for additional property on Abadan Island.

4

Although we were not sure, I said it appeared that application might affect land covered by our military installations. My Govern

2 For correspondence regarding informal United States-British agreement concerning cooperation in the Near and Middle East, see pp. 6 ff.

3 Daniel W. Lascelles.

'Anglo-Iranian Oil Company.

ment hoped to obtain compensation for its investment in permanent works in Iran, and, of course, our prospects in this regard would be diminished if property were held by private owner. I was bringing matter to his attention frankly in interest of mutual understanding. Lascelles expressed his appreciation of our friendly attitude and said he had heard nothing of any such action by AIOC but would investigate.

FORD

811.248/7-3044: Telegram

The Chargé in Iran (Ford) to the Secretary of State

TEHRAN, July 30, 1944-5 p. m. [Received July 31-1:55 p. m.]

554. Legation's 519, July 21. British Chargé has sent me statement by AIOC official regarding Abadan property; main points are:

(1) Application was made some months ago and few if any American buildings were then on area in question, which covers 1682

hectares.

(2) Transfer of title to land would not affect title to buildings, since Iranian law recognizes separate ownership of land and superstructures.

(3) Disposal value of installations would probably be enhanced by AIOC ownership of land, since it would be in best position to adapt them to general developments scheme of area.

(4) AIOC wants land for the future establishment of supply, reception and distribution center, housing schemes, and other improvements for local community.

Statement mentions incidentally that majority of American buildings were, at least until recently, located on land previously granted to AIOC.

This of course does not entirely clarify matter. I propose to go direct to AIOC and, in consultation with General Connolly, determine exact status of land covered by all American installations at Abadan.

FORD

811.248/7-2144: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Iran (Ford)

WASHINGTON, July 31, 1944-4 p. m.

459. Your 519, July 21, 9 p. m. For your information the principal interest of the United States in Abadan is the obtaining of landing rights on the airport for civil aircraft more than the question of financial compensation for investments.

554-184-65- -32

STETTINIUS

891.248/9-3044: Telegram

The Ambassador in Iran (Morris) to the Secretary of State

TEHRAN, September 30, 1944-5 p. m. [Received September 30-3:51 p. m.]

723. Redesp 1063, August 9.5 Tehran manager of AIOC has been informed by Iranian authorities that action on application for Abadan land is suspended because of American interest in matter. He has, therefore, asked Embassy informally if action can be taken to settle question soon since company wants to begin certain construction work. American head of Iranian agency concerned says he has ordered no action on application until Embassy agrees. However, under terms of AIOC concession company can force Iranian Government to act after lapse of 4 months, which has already expired. Only basis Government would have for refusal to grant application would be formal request from American Government.

Although I do not think AIOC desires to force issue against our wishes it may be difficult, and certainly will be embarrassing, to hold up action much longer unless we are prepared to interpose formal objection with Iranian Government or make other proposals to safeguard our interests. I should appreciate telegraphic instructions as requested last paragraph despatch under reference.

MORRIS

800.7962/10-1944

The Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Halifax)

6

WASHINGTON, October 19, 1944.

EXCELLENCY: As I am sure you are already aware, the United States Government in connection with the prosecution of the war and to expedite the delivery of supplies and lend-lease material to our allies has constructed or improved in whole or in part a large number of airports in various countries including countries in the Near and Middle East. While there appears to be no question with respect to the right of United States military aircraft and aircraft of the United States Air Transport Command to use these airports at the present time, in the absence of any clear understanding a question may arise

"Not printed.

'Text transmitted to the Ambassador in Iran in airgram A-94, October 27, 12:40 p. m., with the instruction: "It is desired that you similarly advise the Iranian Government. For your information Department contemplates that discussions with respect to these matters will be undertaken during or immediately following the forthcoming Aviation Conference." (891.248/9-3044) For correspondence on this subject, see vol. II, section entitled "Preliminary and exploratory discussions regarding international civil aviation; conference held at Chicago, November 1-December 7, 1944."

at a later date with respect to the right of United States civil aircraft to use these airports when the time comes for the establishment of commercial services through these regions.

This Government considers that airports which it has helped to construct or improve should be available for the use of United States commercial aircraft on international services or civil aircraft conducting private flights as may be authorized by the countries in whose jurisdiction these airports lie. No infringement of sovereignty is involved; nor does the Government of the United States seek ownership, control or exclusive rights.

It is the intention of this Government, therefore, at a suitable time to seek agreement with the countries in whose territory these airports are located on matters relating to general landing rights and the use of airports.

In so far as concerns the use of airports in these countries, such as Payne Field at Cairo, Egypt, the airport at Abadan in Iran, and others, I feel confident that your Government will not interpose any objection to the efforts of this Government to obtain general landing rights for United States aircraft and the right to use suitable airports, including those referred to above, under terms as favorable as those accorded the aircraft of any nation utilizing the airports for international civil aviation.

The receipt at an early date of a statement of your Government's attitude in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Accept [etc.]

891.248/10-3044

CORDELL HULL

The British Embassy to the Department of State

AIDE-MÉMOIRE

The landing ground used by American aircraft at Abadan is the private airfield of the Anglo Persian Oil Company. The greater part of it is situated on land already owned by the Company though landing strips have been extended beyond this area into an area which the Company now wish to acquire. The Company applied to the Persian Government last April under the procedure for the acquisition of land laid down in its concession. It is understood that their application has been held up as the result of intervention by the United States Embassy and United States Persian Gulf Command.

2. The transfer of this land to the Anglo Persian Oil Company would not affect legal title to structures erected on it by the United

For correspondence regarding United States representations concerning postwar civil air rights in Egypt, see pp. 56 ff.

States authorities. Separate ownership of land and of standing properties is recognised by Persian law. It is understood that the United States authorities are not seeking to acquire title to the land and it is hoped that the United States Government will not stand in the way of the Company doing so.

3. [Here follows section relating to the status of the Dhahran airfield in Saudi Arabia; for correspondence, see pages 661 ff.]

4. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have, of course, no intention of trying to prevent the United States Government from obtaining post-war air facilities in the Persian Gulf area in accordance with the provisions of whatever international convention is agreed upon. As regards the particular case of post-war use of the airfield at Abadan, it is understood to be probable that developments of the refining plant and housing area will make it necessary to build over the landing ground after the war. The area immediately adjoins the Company's existing plant and there is no other direction in which they can expand since the plant on all other sides is bordered by branches of the refinery.

WASHINGTON, October 30, 1944.

891.796/11-1644

The Ambassador in Iran (Morris) to the Secretary of State

No. 119

TEHRAN, November 16, 1944. [Received November 28.]

SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a translation of a Memorandum Note the Embassy has received from the Iranian Foreign Office concerning the operation of foreign airlines in Iran.

This note which was undoubtedly sent to all allied missions in Tehran is believed to be directed almost entirely at the Soviets who, as the Department is aware, last spring opened commercial airlines from Tehran to various points in Iran including Meshed, Tabriz, and Pahlevi and who have been doing a very healthy business on these lines. This note was probably prepared in the last days of the Saed Government when it had decided, before expiring, to get off of its chest all points at issue with the Soviets, and it is not believed that it is directed at any present American activity in this country.

I do not believe that Iran intends to withdraw itself ostrich-like from international aviation after the war despite the rather strong language of the note. The Iranians realize that their country may

For correspondence relating to the resignation of Mohammed Saed as Prime Minister on November 9, 1944, see pp. 445 ff.

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