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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 37, Number 25. 25th September 1974

Beware the Shah of Iran

Beware the Shah of Iran

Dear Salient,

Just a few short and hurried lines that may not be of much use but thought I'd mention. To my anger, I saw recently that the Gov. General (ponder, ponder, what's his bloody name anyway?) has invited respected and beloved Shah of Iran to visit Godzone,

What you already know is that this man is an absolute dictator ranking with Hussan of Morocco

perhaps you don't know that among his considerable riches, he now includes a 25.4% stake in Krupps!! (My source financial pages "Evening News" — London — September 9, 1974. This was a recent coup and the paper said that he (or Iran as they describe him!!) has decided on further large capital investment in West German industry. Furthermore (I haven't got the specific date but it was mid 1974) Iran loaned the Wilson government 500 million pounds to help tide over the UK payments crisis. France also does fairly well too: an unholy alliance developing over supply of nuclear power capabilities to both Iran and the Vorster Government!! S.A. imports much of her crude oil from Iran and the National Iranian Oil company has a partnership with South African Development Corp (further information 48 Grafton Way, London WI — The Africa Bureau). This came from the "Guardian" — 7.8.74. With the so-called oil crisis being blamed for world capitalist ills most of the world powers are ready to eat humble pie before the Shah. He is currently aiding Britain in the Sultanate of Oman (Sultan Qabus) and current estimates of Iranian troop levels run to near four thousand plus support aircraft. His internal repression within Iran is a by-word of course!

I wish I could provide a pile of information about this particular beast, whose influence on the world scene is growing day by day — however I'm surrounded by piles of unsorted papers etc and am very tired to boot. Perhaps when I get all the filing sorted out, I will be able to provide a large dossier!! I'll leave you with a charming quote from the Shah himself (as seen by me on British TV 1.10.73 — verbatum in case you are doing a hurried leaflet).

"There is every freedom within our laws...." and on the subject of British economic ills "you will have to change. You can't move up... because of your lack of discipline." Will his son weild absolute power? "I wish that he will have the power to save the country.... and never use it!" NB: Iranian student protestors here in UK wear large masks when leaf letting fellow Iranian residents in UK. Enough said!!

Fight on comrades.

Graham Rua

London