CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
Participants: Shahpur BAKHTIAR, Iran Party Leader and National Front member
Martin F. Hers, Counselor for Political Affairs
Archie M. Bolster, Second Secretary
Place: Mr. Hera's Residence
Date: November 4, 1964
In expressing his willingness to meet with Embassy officers to discuss matters of mutual interest, Bakhtiar said that he had talked with Embassy officers on numerous past occasions but had the impression that although there was general agreement among them on broad policies they had some individual opinions which were different. Bakhtiar said he had been surprised to hear that the Shah "must rule as long as he is alive." Bakhtiar said he was astonished to hear such an opinion expressed with such finality. He went on to praise the American political systems and the hope and example which it gave to the world. Bakhtiar then began to analyse American interests in Iran, beginning by saying that he thought the United States' long-run interests here would be best served by developing a government responsive to the wishes of the people which would permit a degree of political freedom. He described himself as a royalist, but one who wants to see the Shah reign and not rule.
Bakhtiar made light of the present government as a group of hypocrites who promise everything and deliver very little. He said he could stand some lies if they stemmed from honest ignorance, but that he could not put up with deliberate hypocrisy. When asked if he did not think that there were some sincere patriots in the government doing their best for progress, he admitted that there were a few but said that the government would never last. He said the government's instant reaction to foreign criticism was proof that it felt insecure.
In talking of opposition policies, Bakhtiar spoke only in generalities and made it quite obvious that neither he nor his followers in the Iran Party have any real plan of action to achieve their demands. In fact, he was reluctant even to specify for whom he was speaking. He was gently critical of Allahyar Saleh, portraying him as a man with too many scrupples to be a resolute and effective leader, but he did not reveal which men or which groups might replace Saleh's leadership. He said plans are underway for a meeting at which the various ideas might be sorted out but it was far from certain that the government would permit such a meeting.
Although Bakhtiar said at subsequent meetings with Mr. Boldter he would be willing to go into detail, we were left with the impression
Downgraded at 3-year intervals.
Declassified after 12 years.
CONFIDENTIAL
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