Russia's Game in a Key Area of the Mideast

And, furthermore, we want them to define what they meant by "foreign." For a base to be "foreign" it would have to be under "foreign" control. Yet everything in Iran is and will be under Iranian control.

Q  What did the Russians mean by "foreign bases"?

A  I don't know what they meant. They didn't want to define it. That was the trouble.

We are building a lot of civilian aerodromes—some of our neighbors may be building more—with foreign help, and these could be considered by the Russians under their understanding of an agreement as "aggressive." Every time we built a railroad they could consider it as "aggressive."

Q  What do you believe are the aims of the Soviet Union in this region of the world?

A  Well, naturally, their aims are the same, basically as in the rest of the world. They have openly declared that eventually the whole world must be Communist, even America. Mikoyan said that during his trip to the States!

Q  How are Iran's relationships with the United States?

A  We have always been able to congratulate ourselves on the good spirit of these relations, which date from a long time back. So far they have always been on a free, impartial basis.

Your country has always shown a great deal of humanitarianism by coming to our aid and taking our side whenever we were under pressure. Everything that has ever been done by you so far has been for the good of my country. You were not forced to do these things; it was done of your own free will. Naturally, we are extremely grateful for that.

You are doing this all over the world. This is your character.

As I see it, though, the problem for your Government is not just in having a general policy of extending friendship and help to every nation that needs it and will accept it. Your Government must also decide, at any given time, what is necessary to be done and where.

Q  What is the purpose of the military agreement you have made with the United States?

A  We wish our armed forces made stronger. There are some who say: If you have the protection of the United States, why do you need a large Army? But, of course, if this reasoning were true—I think it is a very shortsighted reasoning—then there would be need for only two armies in the world: those of the Soviet Union and the Untied States.

Actually, since there is not yet a strong international police force, every country must have a national army.

Q  You mean that you want to be in a position to defend yourself by your own resources—

A  It is our duty to defend ourselves. We could not do it successfully by ourselves, but our duty is the same as that of all the other countries. Whatever the others are doing, we must do, too.

Q  What are Iran's national aims, your Majesty?

A  A development of our country. We are following a policy of social justice here. We have started a group of reform programs. The land-reform programs are continuing, with greater emphasis. We have sound and just labor laws.

We are at the same time living within range of neighbors who are arming themselves to the teeth. The Army must be made at least equal to theirs in relation to our size, strength and potential.

Q  Have there been any discussions regarding the possibility of Iran's getting aid from the Soviets?

A  Not yet. For the time being we have started our negotiations with the International Bank and private companies. Private companies are willing and able to invest. Our plans are in action.

Q  Haven't other countries found that if they get aid from the Soviet Union they have to get their goods and equipment from the Soviet Union, too, instead of being able to shop around for what they want?