I was very pleased with the Rockefeller appointment. We have very close contacts with the Rockefellers. David is setting up a bank branch in Tehran. Our Minister of Finance and Minister of Economics -- he wears two hats -- is coming here to set up a joint commission.
I am glad Secretary Kissinger is heading your side rather than Simon. [laughter].
Kissinger: They don't care about me -- just so long as it is not Simon.
Zahedi: At the first one he talked to me but said he couldn't wait and went ahead and announced.
President Ford: The reaction to Rockefeller has been great. Even the Goldberg was not vitriolic. I know him well and we complement each other. He really seemed gung ho.
Kissinger: I never saw him so happy. He just wants to serve.
President Ford: He called Betty and me late last night. Happy is coming here Thursday. Betty is having her for lunch and we'll have him for that dinner I told you about.
Zahedi: I have been talking to our Ambassadors in Paris and London, and also His Majesty's feeling was excellent. He knows Iran and we have close relationship with Iran.
President Ford: I hope in the not too distant future I can get to meet the Shah. I like to deal on a personal basis.
Zahedi: I agree. Anything I can do to assist in that. The U.S. holds the highest place in his heart. It has always been so. The U.S. has helped when we needed it, without strings. We remember those days -- as I will say in an address at Kent University. So many forget all that the U.S. has done.
President: That is very useful. In Middle America they don't always appreciate foreign aid, and it helps to hear foreigners express this.
Zahedi: I will do it. I will also be in Southern California where I am going to present a check for $1 million.
Kissinger: The Shah has always been our best friend. Last fall several countries permitted Soviet overflights. One Israeli Minister did and he was promptly so tried.
SECRET/SENSITIVE
