SHAH ABDICATES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 September 1941, Page 5

SHAH ABDICATES

IN FAVOUR OF ELDEST SON DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT IN IRAN. ’ SEQUEL TO PRO-AXIS EFFORTS. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, September 16. Following on the dramatic announcement that the Shah of Tran has abdicated, comes news that British and Russian forces are advancing towards Teheran. The Russian forces are now within half an hour’s march of the capital. It is stated that the Allies are not concerned so much over the abdication of the Shah as determined that prompt measures shall be taken to deal with the Germans in Iran who are attempting to evade internment. One report states that the German Legation staff is leaving the country tomorrow. British broadcasts are said to have played an important part in enlightening the Iranian public. At a special session of the House of Commons, it was announced by the Prime Minister (Mr Churchill) that news had been received from Iran that the Shah had abdicated and had been succeeded by his eldest son, the Crown Prince, Shahpu Mohammed Riza. News from independent sources makes it clear that, in spite of the efforts of the British and Russian diplomatic legations, obstacles have continually been placed in the way of rounding up German nationals in the country. A message yesterday reported that fierce tribes in .south-western Iran were rising in revolt, that signs of insurgency within the Iranian army were increasing, and that civil war was expected within two or three weeks unless the regime was overthrown and the Shah abdicated. The present position (a British Official Wireless message stated) is that while the Iranian Government is well intentioned and shows every desire to collaborate, it is being impeded not only by Germans but also by pro-Ax is Iranian elements. The Iranian Government therefore requires a good deal of stiffening from British and Soviet quarters. The Allies have no intention of allowing matters to drag on indefinitely. The pro-Axis article which the late Shah allowed to appear in a newspaper was repudiated by the Teheran radio, over which the Government has taken control. Official information reaching London fully bears out the reports of dissatisfaction with the late Shah’s regime. The British and Soviet Governments are firm in their intention to take all necessary measures to strengthen the hands of the Iranian Government in securing its objectives and carrying out the terms of the agreement made with them.

The new Shah will be 22 years of age next' month.

FAILING HEALTH ASSIGNED AS REASON FOR ABDICATION. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.18 a.m.) RUGBY. September 16. The Abdication of the Shah of Iran, on account of failing health, and the appointment of the Crown Prince, Mohammed Riza, to succeed him was announced by a Teheran radio message this morning.