1581. Limited distribution. We also have become more and more concerned re election developments (Deptel 1514)¹. We have been hoping that [the] situation would right itself as sometimes happens in Iran without [the] necessity [of] action by ourselves. It might be difficult [to] extricate ourselves from [an] insidious political morass if we once [again] begin [to] interfere in Iranian internal affairs, particularly in such [an] intricate and delicate matter as elections. Nevertheless since it has become clear complete aloofness on our part might result not only in another impotent Majlis [Parliament] but in disintegration of [the] present government, we have already made certain moves despite [the] risks involved and intend [to] go even further if we find [a] way open.

2. Through appropriate US channels I sent [a] friendly message [to the] Prime Minister [Fazlollah Zahedi] yesterday stressing our concern [about the] way things [are] going. These channels in discussing [the] details found him cooperative. I also presented [the] problem quite frankly yesterday morning to Ala [Court Minister Hossein Ala] who [is] undertaking work from [the] court end to eliminate some more unfortunate features. We feel somewhat encouraged at [the] Prime Minister’s cooperative attitude but [are] worried at [the] disorganized and even haphazard way in which elections are apparently being run....

HENDERSON