3. Mossadeq apparently abandons hope for US aid in Anglo-Iranian oil dispute:

Prime Minister Mossadeq told the Indian Ambassador in Tehran [Tara Chand] on 23 February that he could not particularly blame the United States for backing Britain in the oil dispute as the two countries were compelled to cooperate “for global reasons.”

The Indian Ambassador also informed Ambassador Henderson that Mossadeq’s attitude indicated that the Prime Minister would reject the latest proposals for settling the oil dispute or possibly make counterproposals. [Loy Henderson]

Comment: Iranian tactics in the oil dispute have been based on the hope of getting the United States to persuade Britain to settle on terms favorable to Iran. Mossadeq’s statement appears to indicate that for the present at least he has abandoned this hope.

4. Mossadeq continues to strengthen his position

The Tehran Police Chief has confirmed the arrest of retired General Zahedi for “anti-government activity,” the American Embassy reported on 25 February. [Fazlollah Zahedi] Unconfirmed rumors state that others, including former Prime Minister Ali Mansur and General Hejazi, a senator, have also been arrested. [Ali Mansour and Abdol Hossein Hejazi]

Comment: Zahedi has often been mentioned as a possible successor to Mossadeq. He and Hejazi were under arrest briefly last September for implication in a plot to overthrow Mossadeq.

These arrests, following the Shah’s virtual capitulation to Mossadeq, are probably designed to demonstrate that the Prime Minister’s control of the government is fully restored.