Shah flies to Texas hospital

Press, 3 December 1979, Page 8

Shah flies to Texas hospital

International

NZPA-Reuter New York The deposed Shah of Iran, whose arrival in the United States led to the seizure of the United States Embassy in Teheran left his New' York hospital before dawn todav and flew' to an Air Force hospital in Texas. The White House press secretary, Jodie Powell, said the Shah was being flow'n to Wilford Hail Hospital near San Antonio, Texas, to recuperate. Mr Powell also said the United States Government would try to help the deposed monarch find a permanent home. | Walter Yoos, the Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent in charge of New York’s airports, told reporters that the Shah walked normally to his plane wearing a dark overcoat and scarf. I The former monarch w’as accompanied bv his immediate family, including his wife, the former Empress Farah, and an entourage of security men. Security at the airport was described as extremelv heavy. Students holding the embassy reacted angrily when they heard the 60-year-oid monarch had left his hospital this morning. Thev said the hostages would go on trial, as soon as the Shah left the United States. South African and Ameri- 1 can officials offered guarded comments yesterday on the possibility that the United States had asked South Africa to provide sanctuary [ for the deposed Shah of ' Iran. Neither side would confirm that the two Governments had etsablished contact on the issue, but replies to inquiries implied that the matter could be under discussion. The Shah’s family has ties that go back to his father’s exile and death in South. Africa during World War 11 The possibility of the Shah’s seeking exile in South Africa was raised in Washington on Friday by Senator Frank Church. President Anwar Sadat of Egypt has offered the Shah a home, but the Shah is believed to be reluctant to settle in Egypt. Diplomats believe that South Africa probably will respond favourably to an American request on the Shah’s behalf.