August 21, 1953

Shah Leaves Rome to Fly to Teheran

By THE UNITED PRESS
ROME, Friday, Aug. 21 -- Shah Mohammed Riza Pahlevi of Iran, ending a brief exile in Rome, flew homeward early today to resume his rule over his troubled nation.

The Shah took off aboard a Royal Dutch K. L. M. Airlines chartered Constellation flown in from Amsterdam. He was on his way to Baghdad, Iraq, where he was to transfer to the private plane he used to flee Iran last Sunday.

He was returning "with a heart full of joy for a bright future" following the capture of Mohammed Mossadegh.

Special police squads were deployed at the Rome airport as the Shah left after a series of delays.

The Shah left his Queen, Soraya, behind in Rome with his twin sister, Princess Asraf.

Before he took off, the Shah won a battle to have twenty reporters and photographers accompany him. He threatened to end the airline's concession to fly over Iran unless the newsmen were authorized to board the plane for its 1,659-mile flight to Baghdad.

Sister Joins Shah

ROME, Aug. 20--The Shah and Queen Soraya were joined today by the Shah's twin sister, Princess Ashraf. She came from Switzerland, principally to act as a companion for Queen Soraya, who has been in poor health recently. Early this morning the Queen required the care of a physician, who then sent a white-robed nun as a nurse. Her case was diagnosed as a severe headache and exhaustion. She improved considerably during the day and tonight was able to dine at a restaurant with the Shah and other members of the royal party.

Though the Shah's decision to return to his country as soon as possible was made yesterday, final arrangements were completed only today after the receipt of a telegram from Maj. Gen. Fazollah Zahedi, the new head of the Government. It arrived shortly after dawn. The Shah was called out of bed to receive it. In reply, he sent a proclamation to the Iranian people and a telegram to General Zahedi.

Asks Loyalty to Zahedi

General Zahedi's telegram said: "The Iranian people, and your devoted Army, are awaiting your return with the greatest impatience and are counting the minutes. I beg you to hasten your journey back in order that your people may show you their sentiments as they so ardently wish to do."

The Shah's proclamation to the Iranian people said: "In the name of the Almighty, I am profoundly grateful for the support that the Iranian people have shown toward me and in defense of the Constitution, I hereby call on all members of the armed forces, all civilian officials and all the people to obey the orders of the Premier, His Excellency General Zahedi, constitutionally designated by me to lead the legitimate National Government of Iran. Long Live Iran and the Iranian Nation."

The Shah's answer to General Zahedi said: "Your telegram was received with the utmost pleasure. It is impossible for me to tell you how anxious I am to return to my beloved country, Iran. With a heart full of joy for the bright future, I will leave Rome for Baghdad as soon as possible. From there, I will proceed to my country, whose people and Army have always proved to be so devoted and courageous."