H.H. THE AGA KHAN

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 1, 1 July 1935, Page 6

H.H. THE AGA KHAN

DESCENT FROM MOHAMMED

There could be few more romantic episodes in these "modern days than that an Eastern potentate, who claims descent in direct line from Ali, by his wife Fatima, daughter of the Prophet, should iiot only win the 1935 Derby, but should be the dominating figure in the English racing world today. In the old days the owner' of the' Derby winner was either a king or a great English nobleman. Of recent years the race has been won by the Aga Khan (twice), by the ex-policeman Tom Walls, and by an Indian rajah, the Maharajah of Kajpipla, who won it last year. But though the Aga Khan is chiefly known as the most' commanding figure on the English Turf, ...with his winnings of half a million pounds in stakes, he has other and greater claims upon the regard of the British public. A direct descendant of Mohammed, the acknowledged leader of 70,000,000 Ismanli Moslems, the guide, counsellor, and friend of successive British Govern-ments-in. all matters affecting Oriental bolicy, his Highness Aga Sir Sultan Khan Mohammed Shah, G.C.5.1., G.C.LE., LL.D., is one of the most influential, one of the richest, and one of the holiest men in the world today.- • ■ ' ■ ■■■ In Indian politics the Aga Khan is a unique personality. Owning no terrk tory whatever, and in that' respect differing from even the most insignificant chieftain, he wields more influence and his personal prestige exceeds that of the most powerful maharajah, and even of many, reigning sovereigns. It is not an exaggeration to say that he himself is the .greatest religious and political force east of Suez. His word 'is -law :to'v70;000,00Q; the- very, water in which he washes his hands is preserved and distributed among his followers, and hi'the Orient, where pride of birth enshrined in the sacred institution of caste is the foundation of the social community, the Aga Khan is held in almost superstitious awe. His followers are to be found as far west ias Morocco,- in East Africa, Turkey, Turkestan, Afghanistan, India, and Arabia. ' ' When the World War broke out, and when 70,000,000 of Ismanli Moslems were wobbling, his Highness immediately issued a manifesto directing them to place themselves unreservedly at the disposal of the British authorities. When Turkey was drawn into the war he sent out a stirring message showing that the Allies had no overt designs on Islam. As a result of these decisive and peremptory, commands his followers provided a solid phalanx of whole-hearted British support. His action kept the Orient .quiet, prevented a great holy war, and, ,as many think, saved India from chaos. His great influence in the East is equalled- by his prestige in Europe, where his close and intimate. contact, with leading statesmen, his great wealth, his sporting tastes, and his rank as a prince give him entrance everywhere. His wealth rivals that of the richest Indian rajahs. Of recent years it has been increased by judicious investments and his successes on the Turf. He told Mr. W. M, Hughes that at the time of the, depression he had purchased Australian bonds when they sank to 52 on-the New York market, and that he had bought them to hold, as he had a firm belief in the future of the Commonwealth.

'The limelight' was cast oh the Aga Khan a few > years ago ,-■when he was married to a pretty. ■> Parisian dressmaker, Mile. lAndree Charron, twenty years younger than; himself. She is. his third wife, and she retains her' Roman ; Catholic faith. Today, the prince, with: his round, smiling face and -horn-rimmed: spectacles, is a familiar figure in England—more familiar than in the East. This polished, cpsmo-. politan, speaking many languages, possessing the personal charm of the Oriental, the intimate friend of kings and princes, has now joined the select little band, including Lord Rosebery and the late. King Edward, who have won the Derby twice.