Eisenhower’s reported first communication [last] with Iran’s Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh hardly seems likely to give the old gentleman grounds for rejoicing, but neither should it leave him in doubt as to the Eisenhower attitude.

In a sharp note the President is said to have told Premier Mossadegh that the United States is disturbed by the freedom allowed increased Communist activity in Iran [Ike did not say this] and that the American taxpayer could not be expected to shell out financial aid for Iran when Iran is in a position to earn plenty of money through oil revenues if only it would settle the controversy with Britain over nationalization of the industry.

President Eisenhower’s suggestion about oil makes the only sense there is in the whole issue. Oil is Iran’s chief natural resource and not to use it is against the national interest. As far as holding hands with the Communists is concerned, it is inconsistent with Dr. Mossadegh’s violent nationalism. [precisely!]

Premier Mossadegh may reject the Eisenhower note, and probably will, but he can’t say he didn’t understand it.