Now that the Iranian oil case is before the United Nations, the U.S. should abandon its policy of supporting the British Foreign Ministry. The blunders of the British in Iran have created this crisis. There is no reason why the United States should assume responsibility for these blunders any longer.

The British have been trying to force Iran to meet their terms by economic, military and political means. The State Department has been helping the British organize a boycott of Iranian oil sales. Mr. Acheson has held up a $25,000,000 loan to Iran to increase pressure on that country and force it to terms. [Sec. of State Dean Acheson] He has been treating the Iranian government the same way he treated the Nationalist Chinese government, by making threats, applying economic pressure and by following the lead of British foreign policy. That is how China was lost to communism. That is how Iran will be lost to communism if Mr. Acheson is not somehow forced or persuaded to change his tactics.

It is fortunate that the British decided not to use force to prevent the expulsion of their technicians from Abadan. The American people would never support such action against a friendly nation that is only asserting its rights under international law. Americans abhor the principle of nationalization. But we did not object when Britain nationalized her coal, steel and other industries. We have no right to object to Iran’s decision, like it or not. America should support Iran’s right to nationalize its industry.

America should also support Britain’s right to full and just compensation for the property and investments she has made in Iran. Beyond that our sole interest should be in helping Iran to restore its economic strength, in keeping communism out of this important Moslem nation, and in keeping Iranian oil flowing West instead of East. To accomplish these objectives, the United States should offer both Iran and Britain our assistance and take no sides except the side of freedom and justice in this controversy.