UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Memorandum
TO: CONS - Mr. Goelz
FROM: SHIRAZ - Victor L. Tomseth
SUBJECT: Principle Officers' Meetings
While I cannot speak for my colleagues, I found our recent principal officers' meeting convincing proof of the utility of holding these gatherings on a regular basis. I continue to believe that some kind of specific theme for each session tends to focus the participants' attention, and hence is a useful device for maximizing what can be accomplished during the relatively short time allotted. I think the first day's seminar on internal politics amply demonstrated this point.
For the future I suggest the following as possible themes:
--The Iranian educational system, the role of students in society, and the impact of study abroad. In addition to the principal officers themselves. I think it would be useful to include individuals from ICA, POL and CONS as key participants.
--Economic development in Iran, prospects for continued growth, and implications for future political stability. ECON would clearly have to take the lead, but the Agricultural Attache, CONS and POL could also make valuable contributions.
--The country commercial program and the role of the constituent posts. The Commercial Attache and the Trade Center would have to do most of the work, but I would think that considerable emphasis should be given to consideration of practical techniques for improving the constituent posts' contribution to the overall effort.
--The Iranian military's role as an agent for modernization and a political force. If some military officers with field advisory experience could be recruited to participate along
Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
-134-
