SHAH TAKES OATH

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 222, 19 September 1941, Page 7

SHAH TAKES OATH

ALLIES IN TEHERAN New Ruler Promises Support For Britain And Soviet U-P.A. ami Hrin.-n Wireless. Rec. 1.30 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 18. Confirming cabled advice from the Iranian capital, the Moscow radio announced early this morning that Soviet troops had entered Teheran. It was stated yesterday in Simla that in the event of an entrv into the Iranian capital, the British and Russian commands would act in full co-operation and co-ordination in movement of their respective troops. The Teheran message stated that British troops had also entered the capital. A message from Teheran says Russian troops intercepted a convoy of cars en route to Turkey, carrying 600 people, mostly Germans, "also Italians. Bulgarians and Hungarians, chiefly women and children, on the road near the city. Thirty Iranian Army lorries carried their luggage, and five lorries carried food supplied by the Government catering organisation. The Russians also detained a Rumanian convoy on Tuesday. It is officially announced that the new Shah will cede most of his father's possessions to the nation. A general amnesty has been granted to political prisoners Reforms Assured After taking the oath the Shah lead a short speech in which he promised the co-operation of the Government with Britain and Russia, whose interests lie close to Iran's. The Government also intended to introduce reforms. The abdication of the Shah in favour of his 22-year-old son is expected to herald the institution of reforms no less in Iranian domestic policy than in the attitude of Iran toward foreign Powers. For some time, Riza Khan has been alienating the sympathy of his subjects by the increasingly despotic character of his rule and by increasing evidence that he has been enriching himself at the expense of his impoverished country. Teheran correspondents ascribe the ex-Shah's downfall to powerful Iranian political elements organised secretly for his overthrow. These came to the surface after the AngloRussian military action, but the British and Russian leaders in Iran. it is stated, refused these "patriots" support because they wanted to give Riza Pahlevi a chance to prove his bona fides. When the ex-Shah continued his treacherous dealings with the Nazis, Anglo-Russian support was given to the 'patriots'' who forced the abdication. The same "patriots," however, are opposed to th« new Shah. Ex-Shah's Wealth The "patriots" are reviling Riza for ruthlessly enncnlng himself at the expense of all whose land and goods he coveted. He discharged the Constitution under which Parliament had the sole right of imposing and altering taxes, loans and concessions, and developed an almost insane desire to increase his bank balances, which are believed to total £35.500.000. His New York and London income is estimated at ,£2,500 000 a year.