Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE My WASHINGTON Dept. E.O. 6, 1982 July 18, 1952 State By DED NLT, Date 9-10-80 SECRET SECURITY INF ORMATION SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS IRAN: Ambassador Henderson reports the following details surrounding the resignation on Wednesday evening of Prime Minister Mosadeq. Mosadeq requested an audience with the Shah Wednesday afternoon and presented the new cabinet list, which made but few changes from the previous cabinet. He ac- companied this with a request for himself to hold the War Minister's portfolio, saying this was an indispensable adjunct to the full powers he had requested the Majlis to vote him and was essential to prevent Army interference in the coming elections. The Shah was astonished at this request for control of the armed forces since he has jealously maintained this prerogative himself. The audience with the Shah lasted for one hour and the Shah definitely refused Mosadeq's request. Mosadeq withdrew in an angry mood and consulted his National Front advisers. At 8:30 that evening he sent a five-line letter of resigna- tion stating that in view of the Shah's refusal to accord him the War Minister's portfolio he considered it advisable that another more qualified man be elected for Prime Minister. The Shah replied in a courteous letter thanking Mosadeq for his past services and accepting the resignation. Yesterday evening the Majlis, with forty-three deputies present, gave a formal vote of inclination in behalf of Qavam for Prime Minister. The ballot gave forty for Qavam, one cancelled, one blank, while the speaker did not vote. About thirty Mosadeq supporters left the chamber before the ballot. The session was stormy and the emotionally aroused National Front deputies refused to admit the Majlis tide had turned against them. Prior to the ballot they re- portedly threatened other deputies if they voted against Mosadeq. After the ballot thirty of the Front supporters signed a statement, a copy of which was sent to the Shah, that they would remain united be- hind Mosadeq. Dr. Human, the Deputy Minister of Court, says that Court circles believe Mosadeq's request was a pretext to force the Shah's hand, since Mosadeq was angered at evidence that his sweeping request to the Majlis for full powers would not be granted. Dr. Human asserted it was typical of Mosadeq's strong personal egotism that he should try to embarrass the Shah, who had recently so openly supported him, by making his pretext for resignation a difference with the Shah over control of the armed forces. SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION