In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The brave and noble nation of Iran:
By ordering the imposition of martial law in Tehran and the large cities of Iran, the Shah has once again proved that he has no standing with the public. The announcement of martial law in an atmosphere of peace- according to the admission of the press and radio of Iran that the demonstrations were taking place peacefully- not only lacks legitimacy, but constitutes a crime. And the person who has passed the order is a criminal. The Shah had no better excuse than martial law to fire on the defenseless, oppressed people. In recent days, Tehran and all the other important cities have been witness to the peaceful demonstrations held by the people to show their state of being oppressed and their opposition to a criminal who for 35 years has held sway over their destinies, and whose crimes and treacheries in the country, and opposition to the constitution are obvious. The expression of opposition to the criminal who has ruined the whole existence of the nation came from those who had political acumen and piety to the utmost, so much so that they were prepared to shower the soldiers with flowers, but the" government of national reconciliation" condemned them for sloganeering against the constitution, whereas their slogans were against the violator of the constitution; that is, the Shah. The slogans were against the illegitimate, imposed regime; it was to show their being subjected to oppression. However, the truth is this that the Shah wants to take his revenge on the defenseless people. He wants to fire on the people by adopting the usual contrivances, and, in his own evil fancies, stifle them. However, it is too late; the downtrodden but alert nation of Iran has become aware. I do not as yet have accurate information about those killed and wounded. The news agencies report hundreds killed whereas reports from Iran mention the number as more than one thousand people. It is now the duty of the courageous people of Iran to send, in any manner possible, blood, medicine and food to their wounded countrymen who are numerous and not to stint them any sort of financial assistance.
Iran today, is rose-colored; bravery and exhilaration is observable everywhere. Yes, this is the way of `Ali (`a), the Commander of the Faithful, and Imam Husayn, the Doyen of the Martyrs. How I wish that Khomeini were amongst you and, by your side in the frontline of defense, would be killed for the sake of God the Almighty.
Nation of Iran! Rest assured that sooner or later victory will be yours. With his" government of national reconciliation", the Shah wants to make the dignified clergy and the respected politicians have a part in the massacres he has perpetrated; however, his ruse was exposed very early." Lo! The devil's strategy is ever weak." «1»
The world should know that this is the free political atmosphere of Iran! And it is the Shah's democracy! This is adhering to the true religion of Islam according to the logic of the Shah and his government. They have now begun imprisoning and exiling people anew and will do so. The clergy and the intellectuals of the nation should be crushed under the boots of the tyrants so that nobody entertains the thought of freedom! O, you honorable people of Iran who have decided to rid yourselves of the Shah's regime, and by the referendum you held, and observed by people throughout the world, on the third and fourth of Shawwal, «2» showed them that the Shah's regime has no standing in Iran, a fact that was also been reflected in the newspapers abroad. Rest assured that no power can confront you who are awake and have arisen.
The patriotic army of Iran! You have seen that the people are your friends and are showering you with flowers. You know that these plunderers have made you their tools for slaying your brothers in order to continue the oppression. Join your other brothers-in-arms who have forsaken the Shah and who, in support of the people, have attacked the enemy. Rise! Do not allow your nation to be destroyed; nor your brothers and sisters to be slain. Record your name as early as you can in history that is on the march to the benefit of the nation, and pull out treachery and oppression from the roots.
O you distinguished `ulama' of Islam and the distinguished statesmen, do not allow yourselves to be intimidated by the Shah's repressive measures! You are the symbol of the nation's trust and morale. You must not only stand firm at this crucial juncture, but also strengthen the people's high spirit of resistance. You must also organize yourselves to the utmost for confronting the enemy of the Iranians.
I pray to God the Almighty for the triumph of Islam and the Muslims. May God's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you.
Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini