ALLIES IN IRAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24716, 19 September 1941, Page 5

ALLIES IN IRAN

UNITS SURROUND TEHERAN OFFICERS ENTER CAPITAL NO HOSTILE INTENTIONS LONDON, Sept. 17. The Iranian Prime Minister told Parliament that the new Shah intended to rule as a completely constitutional monarch. The Government has asked the Allies not to approach Teheran, but even if they enter it is recognised by the Iranians that they have no hostile intentions. British and Russian staff officers entered Teheran, while Allied mechanised units surrounded the capital. The troops may not enter if the Government is able to enforce an agreement on the conditions of the round-up of Germans unaided. The Iranian Government, at the request of the British, noted the Japanese Legation’s demand for the surrender of the former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, who fled to Teheran after the occupation of Iraq. A message from Teheran says progressive political quarters are demanding popular elections in view of the new situation. The demands include local self-government and alleviation of the present scale of taxation. It is believed that the demands will be met. It is stated that Anglo-Russian troops will not enter Teheran if the authorities succeed in maintaining order. The decision rests with the commanders. When last heard of the abdicating Shah of Persia was proceeding down the road up which the British troops are advancing. It is, however, not known in authoritative quarters in London whether he is actually in British hands. It is not known whether the British-Russian force has actually entered Teheran. It is a matter for the military commanders on the spot, who will presumably act according to the state?of affairs in the capital. The report that Mr Richard Dimblebv is held as a hostage by the Iranian rebels is evidently incorrect, because he broadcast from Teheran' the news of the Shah’s abdication. The Moscow radio says that before the abdication of the Shah, Mr Dimbleby accused Iran of insincerity and unforgivable slowness in ful-, filling the terms of the agreement. NEW IRANIAN POLICY REFORMS EXPECTED (Rec. 8 p.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 17. The abdication of the Shah in favour of his 22-year-old son is expected to herald the institution of reforms no less in Iranian domestic policy than in the attitude towards' foreign Powers. For some time Riza Khan has been alienating the sympathy of his subjects by the increasingly despotic character of his rule and by increasing evidence that he was enriching himself at the expense of his impoverished country. Commenting on his more recent actions the Daily Telegraph states; “ It had been apparent for some days that Riza Khan was steering in a direction antipathetic alike to popular opinion among his own subjects and the interests of the two Powers which have been compelled by his earlier policy to march into the country. He had evidently learned nothing from the mistakes which led up to Anglo-Russian occupation, and in ajl his dealings with the Axis he has shown # little of that native shrewdness which helped to raise him fi'om lowly origins to the ancient throne of the King of Kings.” The Daily Telegraph also points out that the care which the Allies took to avoid the use of all but the necessary minimum of force has been completely wasted on the Shah, who has exploited this clemency “ to persevere in his self-chosen role of a Quisling.” As regards the new occupant of the throne the newspaper states: “ While he will not enjoy the support of the Allies unless he proves able and willing to cut loose completely from the false tracks which hastened his father’s career to its downfall he will certainly be able to count on the practical sympathy and help of the Allies in any measures his regime may initiate for the improvement of the conditions of his people.” RUSSIANS ENTER OUTSKIRTS STRATEGIC POINTS SEIZED (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 18. The Teheran correspondent of the Associated Press says British and Russian staff officers are conferring to settle a series of misunderstandings resulting from Russians, including parachutists, entering and seizing important strategic points on the outskirts of the capital, including the army barracks, airfields and railway yards. As the Russians were entering the city the new Shah was taking the oath before Parliament to uphold the constitution. His first official act was to dismiss the police chief.