Newly declassified notes are telling a story, a very short story on how the Americans and British planned a coup in Iran. The idea was from the British who set the problem like this: “The British Foreign Office has informed us that it would be deposed to attempt to bring a coup d e’tat in Iran, replacing the Mosadeq Government by one which would be more “reliable”, it the American Government agreed to cooperate” (Department of State, 26.11.1954).
Therefore, they continue to explain their plans, as the British has informed the US Department of State, their possible hostile takeover and coup d’etat, this is if they could cooperate over a cup of coffee and biscuits, to find plans to change the government in Teheran.
Reasons for the hostile takeover was: “While the Embassy representative (Bernard Burrows) did not give details of the British reasoning, it appears that the Foreign Office has come to this conclusion because (a) British Intelligence has reported that an organization which could handle this job exists in Iran, and (b) the Foreign Office sees virtually no prospect of an oil settlement with Mosadeq and has little hope that his Government will be able to prevent a communist takeover” (Department of State, 26.11.1954). So, the problematic government was because it couldn’t settle an oil agreement and therefore, the British justified a takeover, also used the Cold-War threat, to entice the Americans. Clearly, they wanted to settle the score and make sure they got the oil they needed for a cheap price.
It continues: “Another obvious and vital consideration is the degree of assurance we can have that preparations for the move and our connection with it would not become known, and that the coup would eventually succeed. CIA believes that the project is probably feasible and that it could probably be handled in such way that British and American connection with it never be proven. However, there can never be absolute assurance in regard to a matter of this kind especially in a country like Iran. Many things could go wrong” (Department of State, 26.11.1954). So the cooperation between the US and UK was planned in way, that they hope they didn’t leave behind trace of their conspiracy to bring down the Mosadeq government. That their loyal and possible coup-makers will not spill the beans and say they we’re supported by foreign forces. Clearly, the conspirators and planners knew they we’re trying to deceive the Iranians.
The second note, which is stated on the ‘Memorandum of Conservation’ on the subject of “British Proposal to Organize a coup d’etat in Iran”, that is made on the 3rd December 1954. An important quote there was: “Mr. Nitze asked whether it would not be possible to test out the organization with which the British are in contact in Iran by undertaking a campaign against Kashani and the Trudeh without trying to displace Dr. Mosadeq. If such a campaign were successful it would give good evidence of the possibility of staging a coup d’etat to put in a new government. Mr. Burrows did not think this would be interested in an operation which did not involve the removal of Mosadeq” (Department of State, 03.12.1954). So after a week of informal talks between the British and Americans, they are discussing more clearly the possibility of an actual coup. But, the price of it has to be paid, that being removing Mosadeq totally from the throne.
The last part of the note was actually this: “It was agreed that no action would be taken at the present time but that we would keep the suggestion in mind. It was also agreed that there should be no further discussion between CIA and the British intelligence representatives on the subject until further notice” (Department of State, 03.12.1954). So this documents shows they are planning further coups in Iran, just a year after the planned one in 1953. The CIA was really ready for puppet government in the Middle East. Also, because the British wanted the oil secured, they could force another leadership in Tehran. With this history and trying to control the republic, you can understand why the Iranians doesn’t trust the United States and the United Kingdom today. Peace.
MinBane 