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"Need a
fix? See the Shah"
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Telegram From the Department of State
to the Embassy in Iran
Washington, June 16, 1964, 6:44 p.m.
Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 7
IRAN. Confidential. Drafted by Tiger; cleared in draft by
Chief of the Division of Protective Security Keith O.
Lynch, Deputy Chief of Protocol Chester C. Carter, Joseph
W. Reap (P), Donald A. Wehmeyer (L/NEA), and Deputy
Administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular
Affairs Charles H. Mace; and approved by Bracken.
931. Shah's Visit. Following is summary security,
publicity aspects New York, Los Angeles portions Shah's
visit:
At New York stop 9 June, 30 to 50 anti-Shah pickets,
shouting loud and abusive protests, were allowed within
15 feet of entrance to East 78th Street premises where
NYU honorary degree awarded. Proximity pickets was result
admitted error New York police and situation was
corrected before party's return visit to New York 12 to
14 June, when there were no serious disturbances at
Waldorf Astoria or World's Fair. About 15 pickets were
near the hotel. Shah and Empress upset by 9 June episode
and Foroughi cites it as only really disturbing episode
entire U.S. visit. N.Y. press treatment not overly
sensational and prevailing tone favorable to Shah.
During Los Angeles visit, pro-Shah demonstrators,
evidently organized by official Iranians (Naficy and
Kowsar) outnumbered anti-Shah demonstrators at airport
and Ambassador Hotel, were overly boisterous in their
welcome, and engaged in some fisticuffs with anti-Shah
demonstrators; at least one anti-Shah demonstrator
arrested but released on bail.
UCLA commencement ceremonies 11 June proceeded with
dignity in spite of major attempts to cause disturbances.
There were about 75 anti-Shah demonstrators, of which
only 12 Iranians, remainder being "other
nationalities" (no further information yet
available). These were kept on sidelines, some 150 yards
away from ceremony, and their shouts did not disturb
proceedings. When Shah started to speak, 5 students
walked out but were not able to create disturbance. When
some anti-Shah students attempted to unfurl banner, two
were removed bodily by pro-Shah student group, which
numbered about 50. During ceremony, hired airplane made
two runs toward area carrying streamer reading:
"Need a fix? See the Shah" (reference was to
heroin addiction). Los Angeles police helicopter, which
standing by in case serious riot, ascended and drove
plane from area. Shah outraged by reference narcotics
addiction but deeply impressed effective police action;
at 12 June departure ceremony, he asked to see helicopter
pilot and presented him with gift. No info yet available
re renters of plane except they said to be
"students" and paid $250 for rental.
Los Angeles press publicity, while predictably
sensational (referring to "dogfight" in air
over UCLA, stressing Empress's extravagant shopping
sprees) probably not, in sum, detrimental.
On balance, it appears from info presently available
that Shah, though upset with New York picketing and L.A.
plane episode, does not hold USG responsible or suspect
these incidents result
of any official policy protection anti-Shah elements.
This does not however preclude strong representations by
GOI officials both here and in Tehran, and foregoing
details are provided to help you deal with such
approaches following Shah's return to Tehran 17 June. We
shall attempt to run down further specific details of
anti-regime activity and investigate possibilities of
legal or administrative action.
Rusk (Dean Rusk, Secretary of State)
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