FAILING HEALTH ALLEGED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 288, 17 September 1941, Page 5

FAILING HEALTH ALLEGED.

ANNOUNCEMENT IN TEHERAN. SUCCEEDED BY ELDEST SON. (United Press Association—Copvright. (Rec. 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 16. The abdication of the Shah of Iran, on account of failing health, and the appointment of the Crown Prince, Mohammed Riza, to succeed him was announced by the Teheran radio this morning. The former Shah has left the capital by car. The abdication of the Shah is regarded here as a forward step in tho settlement of Iranian problems. The British and Russian authorities realised not only that the Shah countenanced pro-Nazi activities in Teheran after a settlement had been reached with the Iranian Government, but also that there was strong popular resentment in the Iranian capital of their ruler as well as of his disregard, over a long period of years, of the social welfare of Ins people. The firm stand made by the British representative that the removal .of the Germans should not be delayed and the approval thereof by Iranian public sentiment, no doubt contributed to accelerate the Shah’s decision to abdicate.—British Official Wireless. Riza Khan Pahlevi, Prime Minister of Iran when Shah Sultan Ahmad was deposed by the National Assembly in October, 1925, was elected Shah six weeks later. He is 63 years of age. The new Shah is 22 years of age. His wife, 'whom lie married in 1939 is a sister of the King of Egypt.