The U.N. Ducks the Issue

"Iam exceedingly happy," Iran's young Shah cabled 72-year-old Premier Mossa-deq in New York, "to felicitate and congratulate you on your success in the oil dispute . . . We also would be happy and delighted to hear of your state of health." Mossadeq's much-discussed health was improving (see MEDICINE) almost as fast as his reputation as a politician.

The U.N. Security Council, boldly informed by Mossadeq that Iran's dispute with the Anglo-Iranian Oil Co. was none of the U.N.'s business, lamely ducked the issue. It passed the question of the U.N.'s authority back to the International Court of Justice at The Hague. The Court probably won't get around to deciding until mid-January; in the meantime, the Council wanly hoped that Britain and Iran would resume negotiations on their own. Said Britain's Sir Gladwyn Jebb: "... A most serious precedent . . ."

Mossadeq & Co., who boycotted the final Security Council session, heard the result with jubilation. Next day the Premier addressed a group of starry-eyed Iranian students in New York, urged them to study thoroughly U.S. oil-industry techniques. Said he: "The mere possession of a source of wealth is not sufficient. The main point is its utilization . . . Equip yourselves . . ."

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