SAEDNEWS: “The points I raised tonight did not sit well with His Excellency. I mentioned that the financial situation might deteriorate, and my remarks were based on confidential discussions with [Safi Esfahani], the head of the Planning Organization, as well as [Alinaghi Alikhani], the Minister of Economy.”
According to the political service of Saed News, citing Khabar Online, Asadollah Alam wrote in his notes on Wednesday, December 13, 1967:
“I attended to routine matters in the morning. His Majesty went to inaugurate the Rey Cement Factory (additional section); I did not accompany him. I received Ahmed Ben Al-Malih, the Moroccan ambassador. The confidential reports we had received regarding President Nasser’s health and state of mind were partially confirmed.
Around noon, I had an audience after the royal convoy returned. His Majesty was in excellent spirits. I remained in audience for an hour and a half. I relayed the English ambassador’s messages, and His Majesty graciously responded. He issued new instructions for the U.S. ambassador.
An important remark today concerned the Queen’s inquiry: ‘Where do you go in the afternoons with Alam on some days?’ His Majesty replied, ‘You should not interfere in these matters!’ I noted, ‘This seems rather sharp, sir.’ He responded, ‘I wanted to end the matter once and for all.’
In the afternoon, I attended to routine work. That evening, I had audience at dinner. His Majesty was so gracious toward me that I felt embarrassed. He shook my hand twice to say farewell, astonishing everyone present, including Her Majesty the Queen, since the Shah generally dislikes handshakes. Although the matters I raised were not entirely pleasing—specifically, I mentioned the possibility of financial difficulties, based on confidential talks with Safi Asfia, head of the Planning Organization, and Alinaghi Alikhani, Minister of Economy—His Majesty accepted everything, knowing that my only concern is his prosperity and greatness.
He instructed me to tell Asfia to speak frankly with him. I obtained permission to travel to the U.S. tomorrow, then to Europe. There are matters I need to address there, though officially I will travel under the pretext of Pahlavi University work and treatment.”
