| This thesis covers diplomatic events prior to the 4 November 1979 hostage crisis in Iran. It discusses communications from the Carter administration to the government of Iran at the peak of the Monarch's downfall and how the Shah came to believe that the Western world and President Carter created the Iranian uproar that led to his abdication. Ironically, the Shah speculated that the United States had a grand design to save the Shah's throne.;Detailed examination of National Security Council records reveals that disagreement between the Department of State and the Department of Defense played a major role in confusing the Shah about Washington's intention. As Washington's disagreement trickled its way to the United States Ambassador to Iran, the Ambassador became frustrated and lost the respect of the President resulting in the Ambassador's valuable suggestions going unheard. |
