SIGNIFICANCE OF ANOTHER ROYAL ROMANCE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21308, 30 March 1939, Page 6

SIGNIFICANCE OF ANOTHER ROYAL ROMANCE

Sixteen years ago an obscure Persian Cossack officer, born of middle-class land owners on the shores of the Caspian Sea—some say of peasant stock—rode into Teheran at the head of 3000 men and seized the reins of government of the kingdom of Persia, without a shot being fired on either side. Five years later, in the famed Gulistan Palace, standing before the £10,000,000 17th century Peacock Throne, the one-time Cossack officer placed a crown of diamonds, emeralds, and rubies on his own head, and was acclaimed by the multitude “Most Lofty of Living Men” (he happens to be 6 feet tall), “Brother of the Moon and Stars” and “Agent of Heaven in the World.” To-day the son of that most humble Caspian land owner is his Imperial Majesty Reza Shah Pahlevi, Shah in Shah (“King of Kings”) of Iran, and he sits on the throne once occupied by the great Darius who once crossed swords with Alexander the Great. But the one time Cossack has achieved more fame than the capture of the throne of ancient Persia. The cable messages this morning tell us that the Earl of Athlone and the Princess Alice, close relations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth has set sail for Teheran to represent the King at the wedding of the Crown Prince of Iran and an Egyptian princess. Here is another Royal romance through which the son of a Commoner Shall will bring a Royal Egyptian bride to a New Iran. While it has been recognised that it is no effete dynasty of. which the Crown Prince is heir, it is generally agreed that the future of Iran depends largely upon the character of this young man. It is rather important, moreover, that the marriage of the Crown Prince of Iran and a daughter of the Royal house of Egypt, will have wide diplomatic reactions; indeed two ancient nations that have renewed their youth in the bewildering changes of the times, will repose their destinies in the hands of the youngest rulers in Europe. In British eyes, union of these countries is full of significance; since the creation of a strong buffer State between Soviet Russia and India will be warmly welcomed, to say nothing of the new Royal alliance between Iran and Egypt, so intriguing in its unexpectedness, which should ultimately make a substantial difference in Britain’s favour.