The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-08-07
CTS and the Shah
l. .py Lny Pons ana Anare Ke.aelanea.
Famous Opera star and cOnductorD

, and our hleh-ranking officer guests gave us a big hand.
 I'd like to interpose here a brief description of this country 50 you will get an idea of what some of our 0ls are enduring.
 The country is primitive with the exception of Teheran and even that capital has no water or seawge sys- tenn. Tt has a system of ditches with running water which are used for all purposes. Scenicaliy, it remind- cd me of Arizona Ca remark I made on arrival and later learned that President Roosevelt had also said this). Prices are slzy-hieh. I really saw a secondhand Buick priced at sS0.0oo. Most people are desperately poor and bread Is their main diet.
 Now Lily win take over ...
 Supper With Che Royal Family
 It was on our return to Teheran that we gave our Command Per fornace for the Shah at the Sum- mer Palace. Afterward we had supper with the Royal Family. The Shah gave us each a lovely gift stunning pair Of old Persian ear- rings for myself and a beautiful Isaphan rug for Andre. I had been presented with many lovely things during our tour but this was Am dre's first and while he hadn't exc actly wept, he had been toying with the Idea of wearing one Of my evenin 6 gowns as a snare, so to speak.
 The Shah,s obvious familiarity with the details of my career was a very pleasant surprise. Naturally, being a woman, was flattered that wasn't just another singer who happened along. AS for the two royal princesses, they are lovely creatures and they bombarded me with ques- tions about my clothes and jewels and the Hollywood stars-the charming interlude of gossip made me feel a bit hoInesick.
 The Shah is only 25 years old and speaks French beautifully. He told Andre and me that he studies English by listening to the radio and he also informed us that he listens to Andres music on the air and on records.
 The supper party at the Palace was one of those feasts you read about in books-the tables were laden with the finest of foods and the appointments were as sumptu- ous and glittering as fairyland set ting. Incidentally, the two Roya Highnesses I mentioned are sisters of the shah and one of them is his twin.
 The following day Andre and visited the collection of jewels ir the Government Bank and this Wal truly and amazing experience. Never before did I see such fabulous lay out of jewels. Every type of preci' ous stone in the world was on dLs- play. Before the huge valuts ara opened, it is necessary for five Government members to be present; this is the law of the land and Il isn't hard to understand.
 Grand Concert Attended
 by Diplomats from 90 Nations
 While still in Teheran We played another Grand Concert. This wal attended by diplomatic representa- tives of 90 nations. Our program contained much American music and a number of Red Army songs. Tht response was, as We say back home terrific. At a later date We gave two additional concerts-one at thu Russian and another at the British Embassy.
 Looking back now that We arl once more on our way-this time to the Italian-North African val theater; and later I hope, to France I know that Andre and ! shall al' ways he grateful for the oppOrtun- ity We had to play and sing for our CTS and for the endless assortment of exciting and rich experiences that crowded all of our days in this won- derful country of the Mead East.