PERSIAN THRONE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24715, 18 September 1941, Page 7

PERSIAN THRONE

THE SHAH'S ABDICATION FIRM STAND BY BRITAIN ALLIES MARCH ON TEHERAN LONDON, Sept. 16. The abdication of the Shah of Iran is regarded here as a forward step in the settlement of Iranian problems. The British and Russian , authorities realised 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 against their ruler, as well as of his disregard over a long period of years of the social welfare of his people. The firm stand made by the British representatives that the removal of Germans should not be delayed and the approval thereof by Iranian public sentiment no doubt contributed to accelerate the Shah's decision to abdicate.

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 revealed an intention to delay and hamper in every possible way the implementation of the BritishSoviet demands. It has for some days been clear that in the absence of a display of firmness these tactics would be continued, and a decision to end this state of affairs by the despatch to the Persian capital of adequate military forces will occasion no surprise. The New Shah The nomination of the Crown Prince as Shah at 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 Persia 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 Persian people which are essential in a monarch whose subjects are showing a growing determination to effect important constitutional reforms without which that alleviation of the social welfare

of the people so ardently desired by advanced elements cannot be achieved. On the other hand, it is believed in London that the new Shah is in close association with the former regime, and the encouragement lie has given to some of its more criticised policies may be found to prove unsatisfactory to the newlyawakened spirit of the Persian people. So far as the British Government is concerned, its 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 ready to put an end to the abuses from which Persia and the Persian people have suffered, and will refrain from hampering the larger causes of the Allied Governments.

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 Persia into a scheme of collaboration with the Allied war effort.

All the developments in connection with the handing over of the German nationals and the closing of the legations have been closely watched in London, where Mr Eden had the utmost co-operation from M. Maisky, and the decision for the advance of troops to Teheran was taken some days ago. With the willing assistance of the Persian Government there will be no further delay or equivocation.

On October 31, 1925, the Shah, Sultan Ahmed, who had been absent from the country for some time, was deposed by the National Assembly, which handed over the Government to the Prime Minister, Reza Khan Pahlevi, who was elected Shah on December 31, 1925, and crowned on April 25, 1926. Reza Shah Pahlevi has been compared with Kemal Ataturk, both being soldiers who rescued their countries from the rule of degenerate despots. Reza Shah effected a series of far-reach-ing reforms, but with advancing age he" lost the regard of sections of his people and recently there has been resentment over his disregard of the social welfare of the country. He is in his sixty-fifth year.