Before embarking for Iran, where he was hailed for resisting American efforts to budge him from the decision to produce oil on an all-Iranian basis, Premier Mohammed Mossadegh promised that his country should repay in full any loans the United States might take.

The pointed reference to financial aid was not surprising, for the ailing Iranian Premier came here not only to plead his country’s case before the United Nations, but to induce Washington to support a government which is tottering because of loss of British oil royalties. But while American aid at this point might help keep Mossadegh in power, it could hardly be more than a temporary expedient, leaving the big problem unsolved.

Adding to Iran’s troubles is evidence that opposition to Mossadegh’s uncompromising attitude developed during his absence. Jamal Imami, [Jamal Emami] leading opposition deputy in the Majlis, has openly suggested that Iran join the Western Nations, pointing out that a policy of attempting to play off the East against the West could be fatal. This marks the first time such a suggestion has been heard in Tehran.

The fact that Mossadegh no longer has everything his own way in Iran could explain why he returned home empty-handed. In any event, the United States was not sufficiently impressed by charges of Communism to take up where Britain left off in financing Iran’s oil industry.