CONTACT LIST
Archie N. Bolster
The names and biographic sketches given below are arranged by functional categories for easier reference. I readily acknowledge indebtedness to the excellent contact list compiled by Larry Semakis in 1969, from which I have extracted information on some of the contacts we have shared over the years since my Tehran tour of 1963-66.
FOREIGN MINISTRY
Reza Ghassemi. This officer is undoubtedly the best informed department chief in the MFA. He not only knows the backgrounds of the countries he works on (Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, North and South Yemen), but he also journeys with Foreign Minister Khalathary to these countries and is directly involved in official visits by representatives from these countries. Ghassemi claims to work something like 16 to 18 hours a day, which is impressive even allowing for exaggeration. I have several times reached him after 6:00 p.m. at the office. Ghassemi is one of the few MFA officials who will on occasion give detailed information over the phone once you have established a rapport with him. Ghasseni appears to be in his early 40's. He is rumored to be in SAVAK official on loan to MFA, yet he himself talks of a long career spent with the MFA. Gahassemi speaks good French and only fair English: I have handled our conversations in Persian which he finds suitable so long as we supplant detailed pointed with an occasional French or English word. Although quite accessible during office hours, Ghassemi has turned down every social invitation issued to him. His direct line is 321294.
Kazea Shiva: This official stands in marked contrast to Ghassemi. Although he served in New Delhi at the same time I did, he seems to have absorbed nothing from his experience and talks about subcontinent affairs in vague generalities. He also handles relations with Turkey and Cyprus and there, too, comes across as someone ill prepared to go beyond vague policy statements on the need for cooperation and good relations. Shiva has at least two children studying in Paris, one at the School of Fine Arts.
CONFIDENTIAL
