Anglo-Russian Troops March On Teheran As Shah Abdicates

Northern Advocate, 17 September 1941, Page 5

Anglo-Russian Troops March On Teheran As Shah Abdicates

(Received 11 a.in.) LONDON. September 16. gRITISH AND RUSSIAN TROOPS ARE MARCHING ON TEHERAN. The Shah of Iran has abdicated and has been succeeded by his eldest son, tlie (down Prince, Mahommed Rlza Pahlevi. The abdication was announced by the Prime (Minister of Iran at a special session of the Iranian Parliament this morning. The Berlin radio mentioned a report from Teheran that, revolution had broken out in Iran. The Kurds were alleged to have attacked the British occupation troops. Neither report is confirmed in London. Berlin also reported that "The Times” correspondent (Mr. John Hblburn) and the 8.8. C. s representative (Mr. Richard Dimbleby) had been captured and held as hostages by the Iranian rebels.

► Almost at Gates News reached London this afternoon that Russian troops frm the north and British troops from the south are now almost at the gates of Teheran, and a speedy clearing up of the unsatisfactory situation can now be expected. The tactics pursued by the Germans in Teheran since the Persian Government agreed to hand over German nationals and to close the legations of Germany and other Axis countries under German control, have shown an intention to delay and hamper in every possible way the implementation of the British and Soviet demands. It has been for some days clear that in the absence of a display of firmness these tactic would be continued and the decision to end this state of affairs by the despatch to the Persian capital of adequate military forces will occasion no surprise. For People to Say The nomination of the Crown Prince as Shah of Iran is regarded here as a natural one for the retiring Shah to make, but just as by his abdication the late Shah bowed to the popular will of his people, it is the people of Iran who must approve this succession. The new Shah is a young man who has yet to prove his worth. He was born in 1919, and it cannot yet be said that he has gained that respect and goodwill of the Iranian people that is essential in a monarch whose subjects are showing growing determination to effect important constitutional reforms, without which alleviation of the social welfare of the people, so ardently desired by advanced elements, cannot be achieved. Qualities Doubtful On the other hand it- is believed in London that the new Shah's close association with the former_ regime and the encouragement he has given to some of its more criticising policies, may prove unsatisfactory to the newlyawakened spirit of the Iranian people. As far as the British Government is concerned, their main desire is to see installed on the Persian throne one who has the support of his people, is prepared to work as a constitutional monarch, is prepared to put an end to abuses from which Iran and the Iranian people have suffered, and will refrain from hampering the larger causes of the Allied' Governments. Constitutional Regime As viewed here, the whole situation in Iran appears to be moving in the direction of the establishment of a

constitutional regime, which will bring Iran into a scheme of collaboration with the Allies’ war effort. All developments in connection with the handing over of German nationals and the closing of the legation are being closely watched in London, where the Foreign Secretary (Mr. Eden) has had the utmost co-operation from the Soviet Ambassador (M. Maisky), and decisions were reached some days ago for the advance of troops to Teheran. With the willing assistance of the Iranian Government there should be no further delay or equivocation. Pro-Nazi Dictator The abdication of the Shah is regarded in London as a forward step in the settlement of Iranian problems. The British and Russian authorities realise 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 his people. Tlie firm stand made by the British representative that the removal of the Germans should not be delayed, and approval thereof by the Iranian public, no doubt contributed to accelerate the Shah’s decision to abdicate. Such of the cable news in this issue as is so headed has appeared in “The Times.” and is sent to this paper by special permission. It should be understood that the opinions are not those of "The Times” unless expressly stated to be so.