SAEDNEWS: Stay with us for a part of Asadollah Alam’s memoirs.
According to SAEDNEWS, citing Entekhab, Asadollah Alam (born August 1, 1920, in Birjand – died April 14, 1978, in New York), was one of the most significant political figures during Mohammad Reza Shah’s reign. He served as Minister of the Court from 1966 to 1977 and as Prime Minister of Iran from 1961 to 1962.
May 7, 1972: This morning I had a private audience. I mentioned the Chinese ambassador’s invitation extended to the Shahbanu, which he had conveyed during the private audience. The Shah expressed great surprise, questioning why the Shahbanu hadn’t informed the Shah, and why she had allowed herself to invite on her own instead of having the head of the country extend the invitation. He said, “Call him and tell him he has done something very inappropriate.” Later, after some thought, he added, “If we don't accept it, the intention will still be achieved.”
I also mentioned the talks with the Israeli ambassador, which included two major points. One was that the Iraqis were concerned about being overly influenced by the Russians. Uncertain and scattered reports that had reached Israel suggested they were trying to establish relations with the Americans and, in the name of cultural relations between the two countries, would allow Americans to establish a cultural center there. He said, “I don’t think this report is accurate, and if it is, it’s the Russians trying to mislead the Iraqis and find pro-Western agents.”
The other matter the Israeli ambassador raised was that before Nixon's arrival, Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir or Foreign Minister Abba Eban wanted to meet with the Shah. He said, “We don’t have any major issues with them, but if they want to see me, we must keep this meeting confidential, and all responsibility must rest with them.”
The Shah immediately stated, “I prefer my meetings with Nixon to be just the two of us, both the first and second days, with only Kissinger, his advisor, present on the second day. I’ll bring one person to take notes, or perhaps no one at all. If the transcript written by Kissinger is fine, then there will be no need for further notes.” At this point, the roles of the prime minister and foreign minister became clear to me. He added, “Let the chargé d'affaires in the U.S. know unless the president wants more people from their side. In that case, we will have the same number on our side.”
At 10 a.m., Her Highness Princess Ashraf presented a 25-year report on the activities of the Imperial Organization, with the entire founding committee present. The Shah gave an order that was important: to revise the speech of Her Highness, who had initially addressed the Shah as “my dear brother” and had severely criticized the government. I had a difficult time the previous day making revisions. I finally said, “It’s an order.” They listened.
At dinner, the prime minister was also present. He said he had danced with artists until 3 a.m. the previous night. I said, “Lucky you!”
