Thursday
April 27, 2000
Shah's return in 1953
Letter to The New York Times
Your April 16 front-page article ''How
a Plot Convulsed Iran in '53 (and in '79)'' makes unjust remarks about
my late husband, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlevi. It also gives a partial account
of the events of 1953.
My husband at first supported Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh in the
fight for the nationalization of Iran 's oil industry. Only when the shah
was convinced that political and economic deterioration was threatening
Iran 's independence and stability did he feel constitutionally obligated
to dismiss Dr. Mossadegh.
The shah returned to Iran because of the will of the majority of Iranians.
During the rest of his reign, he played a pivotal role in promoting regional
and world peace. His service to Iran will never be forgotten.
Let us hope that impartial historians will write the truth about these
events. Today, rather than allowing ourselves to be divided by old wounds,
we Iranians should unite to support our compatriots in their legitimate
struggle for freedom.
Iran will rise from its ashes.
FARAH PAHLAVI
Greenwich, Conn.,
April 24, 2000
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