Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

NLT ( Noval Aide) 297 OF OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON State By Dept. DEB NLT, Date 9.6-85 E.O. Guidelines, March 6, 1982 12065, December 17, 1951 T OP SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS IRAN Ambassador Henderson reports that on Saturday Prime Minister Mosadeq offered his resignation to the Shah through Minister of Court Ala. Ala told Henderson that Mosa- deq had said that he was tired of coping with the unreconcilable opposition in the Majlis, that he had reliable information that the Shah's mother was encouraging the opposition, that he would therefore issue at once a state- - ment announcing his resignation and the reason therefor, and that he would be grateful if the Shah would accept his resignation immediately. Ala told Henderson that he had tried to persuade Mosadeq not to take hasty action which would injure the Shah personally and would undoubtedly lead to disorder and bloodshed. Mosadeq finally a- greed that in announcing his resignation he would not mention the Shah or the Royal Family. After seeing the Shah, Ala sent word to Mosadeq that the Shah did not wish him to resign just now and hoped that he would not take any action at least until they could confer. According to Ala, Mosa- deq met with members of his Cabinet Saturday night and was persuaded by them that in the interest of the country he should for the present at least withhold his resignation. Ala remarked to Henderson that Mosadeq had performed great services for Iran, and in the present temper of the coun- try the announcement of his resignation might lead to chaos. Ala was con- vinced that it would be preferable for Mosadeq not to resign at the present juncture. Henderson said he realized Mosadeq had done much for the coun- try but he feared, however, that with his single track mind Mosadeq might eventually prove a menace. EGYPT The Department has informed Ambassador Gifford that we are concerned by the British tendency, with regard to the Anglo-Egyptian - impasse, to let matters drift for the time TOP SEGRET SECURITY INF ORMA TION