A HOLY MAN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 176, 25 June 1935, Page 10

A HOLY MAN

AVINNER OF DERBY. PICTURESQUE AG A KHAN. There arc few more romantic episodes in these ultra-modern times tliaii that an Eastern potentate, who claims descent in a direct line from Ali. by his wife Fatima ; daughter of the Prophet, should not only win the 19.35 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 AA’alls, and liy an Indian rajah, 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, lie lias other and greater claims upon the regard of the British public. A direct descendant of Alohammed, the acknowledged leader of 70 million Ismaiili .Moslems, the guide, counsellor and friend of successive British Governments in all matters affecting Oriental policy, H.is Highness Aga Sir Sultan Khan Alohammed Shall, G.C.S.J., G.C.J.E., LL.D., is one of the most influential, one of the richest, and one of the holiest men in the world todav. OWNS NO TERRITORY.

In Indian politics he is a unique personality. Owning no territory 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 anil political force east of Suez. His word is law to 70,000,000; the very water in which he washes his hands is preserved and distributed among his lollowers, and in 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 he lound as far west as Alorocco, in East Africa, Turkey, Turkestan, Afghanistan, India and Arabia. When the AVorld AA’ar broke out, and when 70,000,000 of lsmanli Moslems were wobbling, he immediately issued a manifesto directing them to place themselves unreservedly at tlie disposal of the British authorities. A\ 7 hen 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 AYar, and, as many think, saved India from chaos. PRESTIGE IN EUROPE. His great influence in tbe 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 the entree everywhere.

The wealth of the Aga Khan rivals that the richest Indian Rajahs. Ol recent years it has been increased by judicious investments, and his successes on the 'J'uif. He told Air AV. AI. Hughes that at the time of the depression he had purchased Australian bonds when they sank to 52 on the New A 7 oik 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 on the Aga Khan a few years ago when he was married to a pretty Parisian dressmaker, Atddle. Andree Charron, 20 years younger than himself. She is his third wife, and she retains her Roman Catholic faith, while married to the descendant of the Prophet. To-day, 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 cosmopolitan, speaking many lamigages. possessing tlie personal charm of the Oriental, the intimate friend of kings and princes, he has now joined the select little hand, including Lord Rosebery and the late King Edward, who have won the Derby twice, says an exchange.