The one point for consolation over the unhappy Persian episode is that things are not as bad as they might be without the strong leadership of Dr. Mossadeq. The riots that followed the appointment of Ahmed Qavam as Premier indicated how close Persia can approach to revolution. [Ahmad Ghavam] They also demonstrated to Dr. Mossadeq how dangerous is the combination of an alliance of extreme nationalists, of whom he is one, with fanatical Moslems and the Communist Tudeh Party. Ever since the riots were suppressed and Dr. Mossadeq was re-installed as Premier, on his own terms, he has sought to break any association with Mullah Ayutulla, who is reported to have left Teheran “because of his delicate health.” [Ayatollah Kashani]

Although Dr. Mossadeq was dismissed from office by the Shah, he is insisting that the anti-Shah riots were without his approval and is making it clear that, in his opinion, there is a place for the Shah in Persia. [Not dismissed, he resigned. Mossadegh believed the Shah should reign and not rule] His respect for the Shah, limited in influence, and the disappearance of the Mullah point to the return of the stability that is imperative if Persia is to be saved from a Communist coup and a settlement is to be reached in the oil dispute that will give the country a chance to gain the economic strength without which she must remain perilously exposed to subjection.

Britain’s main concern is no longer the vindication of the legality of the Anglo-Iranian oil concession, but the preservation of Persia from subjection to Soviet Russia. [Oh really??] This demands a settlement with the British Government. Nobody but Dr. Mossadeq appears to have the strength to negotiate for Persia. He has already suggested that an arbitrator might be appointed or that Britain should accept the compensation for her lost assets which was offered in recent litigation before the International Court of Justice. Britain can continue to challenge sales of oil to countries disposed to trade with Persia, but this does not do much to help either Britain or Persia, whose friendship is still needed. Dr. Mossadeq may want his acceptance of the Shah to be interpreted as a sign of good faith in constitutional process. The disturbing alternative to an agreement may yet force Britain to accept the bitter pill of confiscation.