SHAH OF IRAN

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 January 1939, Page 2

SHAH OF IRAN

TO SEE HITLER. BERLIN, December 1. The Shah of Iran —als Persia is now named—Riza. Khan Pahlevi. has been invited by Herr Hitler to visit Germany in Hie Spring. It is believed’ that, he has already accepted, but. the exact, date has not. yet. been fixed.

This visit will mark an importaait stage in Herr Hitler’s efforts to extend German influence not only to the Black Sea but. through Asia Minor. Irak, Iran and Afghanistan to the frontiers of India. Plans have been discussed here for a. German trade route from the Persiajn Gulf to the Rhine, via the trans-Iran railway, Trebizond, the Black Sea and the Danube.

Even before the annexation of the Sudetenlajnd placed the European section of this projected trade route under German domination. Iran had been sedulously wooed by Germany. During tlie last few years several commissions have visited Teheran to discuss an extension of trade and the possibilities of German assistance in opening up the country. The Shah's personal representiir tive in Europe, Gen. Ismael Khan Shaffay, has paid several visits to Germany, and was hero again last week. He has inspecred factories in all parts of the Reich a.nd has placed many orders on behalf of bis country. Germany could take from Iran minerals, cotton and wool in increased quantities. Plans have also been discussed for the erection with German capital of factories on the southern shores of the Caspian Sea for the production of fish-meal and other fish products.

'There is already a. regular German air service from Berlin to Baghdad and Teheran which is described here as tlie easiest passenger line in the world. It is possible that a. mail service to Siam will be opened next year.