A Religious Leader And Owner Of A Derby Winner

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1935, Page 10 (Supplement)

A Religious Leader And Owner Of A Derby Winner

AGA KHAN ISA UNIQUE PERSONALITY

The Aga Khan, who won the English Derby with Bahram, is known as a leading figure on the English turf, but he is a far more picturesque and important figure than that. In the following article, ■reprinted from the Melbourne “Herald,” he is revealed as the spiritual head of the Mohammedan religion and a direct descendant of the great Mahomet. ’THERE are few more romantic epiX sodes ip these ultra-modern times than that din Eastern potentate, who claims descent in a direct line from Ali, by his' wife Fatima, daughter of the Prophet, should not only win the 1935 Derby, but should be the dominating figure ' in the English racing world to-day. 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 expoliceman, Tom Walls, and by 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 he has other and greater claims upon the regard of the British public.

A direct descendant of Mahomet, the acknowledged leader of 70,000,000 Ismanli Moslems, the guide, counsellor and friend of successive British Governments in all matters affecting Oriental policy, His Highness Aga Sir Sultan Khan Mohammed? Shah, G.C.5.1., G.C.1.E., LL.D., is one of the most influential, one of the richest, and one of the holiest men in the world to-day. 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 and political force east of Suez. His word is law to 70 millions; the very Water in which he washes his hands is preserved and distributed among his followers, 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 be found as far west as Morocco, in East Africa, Turkey, Turkestan, Afghanistan, India, and Arabia. When the World War broke out, and when 10,000,000 of Ismanli Mos-

lems were wobbling, he immediately issued a manifesto directing them to place themselves unreservedly at the disposal of the British authorities. When 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 War, and, as many think, saved India from chaos.

His great influence in the 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 limelight was cast on the Aga Khan a few years ago, when he was married to a pretty Parisian dressmaker, Mlle 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 languages, possessing the personal charm of the Oriental, the intimate friend of kings and princes, has now joined the select lilttie band, including Lord Rosebery and the late King Edward, who have won the Derby twice.