The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-01-09
BY EUGENE LYONS Copyright in all Countries 1883
 by United Prcss)


 Teheran, Persia, Jan 9.--A wish for closer economic relations be- tween the United States and Per- sia was voiced by the shah of Persia in an interview granted the United Press correspondent today
 My audience with the shah, the first he has granted to a foreign newspaper man, was marked by utter simplicity. Here was man who rose from Q private soldier to the famous peacock throne" But he greeted me democratically, get ting to his feet and shaking hands in western style. He wore an un- adorned khaki uniform. I found that unquestionably he was the hardest working monarch in the world.
 In his own words, he is simple soldier" who loves his job.
 Riga Shah Pahlevi, Persia s shahanshah-king of kings-who defied the British empire by ar- bitrarily canceiling the contract by which the Anglo Persian Oil company exploits the Persian oil fields, denied foreign interests responsible for cancellation.
 He said he left the door open for negotiations but in view of the menacing attitude of the British government-(w which controls the company had presented the matter to the league of. nations.
 limitations that Soviet Russia or other foreign countries were behind his action, he indignantly denied.
 The shah. expressing warm frienship and admiration for the American people, said:
 "I sincerely hope that this friendship will deepen and bear fruit in closer cultural ties and larger economic relations to our mutual benefit If any incident or misunderstanding has arisen, l want to assure America that the responsibility does not rest on my government or on the intelligent. patriotic portion of my people. who are always anxious to strengthen bonds of friendship.
 The shah, tall and broad should cred. looked younger than his 60 years.
 He is usually up by o'clock In the morning, and personally watches and controls every phase of Persia's affairs.
 He reminded me of the late Marshal Foch. His sharply defined features. iron grey mustache, and thick hair showing under his vi- sored, military hat gave his face indubitable strength. His eyes, lively and almost green, occasion ally were alight with humor.
 AlA ia t.t office at the royal palace. It was a relatively small room, with a lofty ceiling, The floor was strewp with magnificent rugs. There was a writing desk of gold, ivory and Mosaic Otherwise. the furnishings were simple. Over the desk was huge wall map of Persia. A stack of books and pamphlets created the impression of business execu- tive rather than an Oriental mon- arch.
 Your majesty's extraordinary the worlds imagination like a mod ern Aragian knight tale. What ele- ments of your character explain this success?"
 The shah laughed. He fingered a okEtUE Oi uaUic Notgtta aNHbUh beads and replied:
 Tt is not easy to answer. But If I should summarize my own ex- I should say.
 'I am a soldier. simple soldier. and I love my job."
 His majesty thanked the United Press for sending a representative to Teheran to obtain the Persian side of the oil dispute. He said The foreign press was In many ways and the worlds sur- prise at the annulment of the eon- cession merely showed the back. ground was unknown abroad.
 'I concur entirely win the views expressed by the foreign minister in Inc interview given the United Press last week." his majesty snid. "The concession was in the beginning obtained under unfair Dne-sided conditions The annui- nent was not sudden, impulsive act.
 i've had repeatedly attempted 10 straighten out serious causes of com plaint with tho oil company. hoping to obtain conditions more ronsonant with Persia's rights and interests. We decided to annul the