From Mr Robert F. Armao.
Sir, I am writing to correct inaccuracies in “Reforms focus on recovering rogue leaders’ assets” (January 26).
The graphic asserts that the late Shah of Iran stole Iranian government assets valued at $35bn and that the US froze assets of the Shah valued at $20m.
The reported gross revenues of the government of Iran during the reign of the Shah were approximately $120bn, with disbursements for defence, social welfare and infrastructure, making it impossible that $35bn was directed solely to the Shah.
In an effort to vilify the Shah, representatives and supporters of the Islamic Republic have continued to increase the value of the assets of the Shah and his family. Based on the fact that the Islamic government had all the original financial records of the Shah’s government, they were well aware that no such assets were removed from Iran during the Shah’s reign. This despite the fact no such funds were ever located – even after the use of forensic accountants and other investigators …
