Interviewer: An Arab reporter of Al-Bayraq publication
Question: [Your Eminence Ayatullah, can the movement that you are introducing, along with the emotional and popular values it holds, come to power by itself in the name of the majority of Iranians, without the involvement of the leftists and the traditional oppositions? And if they hold a referendum today, based on the slogans you raise, what percentage of the votes will you earn?]
Answer: The absolute majority of the Iranian nation is Muslims and will vote for what we call for. The whole nation does not want the Shah. Can't ninety percent of the Iranians who are Muslims, establish an Islamic republic, as a majority in the society?
Q: [Is there a chance that the Soviets will help your movement? Is Your Eminence Ayatullah completely disappointed with America? Or do you believe that if someday America becomes certain that the time is up for the Shah's rule, it may then choose what is best for it?]
A: As to the Soviets, we don't need their help, and we will not accept them, as we don't accept the Americans. Concerning America, of course it is always concerned about its interests, but the nation doesn't care about America anymore, and the Shah must go, and there is no other way except this, whether the Soviets and America want it or not.
Q: [Is there a possibility for the army to join your movement, or will it remain faithful to the Shah? Is it that you have lost hope in the returning of the army to the right path, or do you believe that the thirst for power will overcome the army, and they will take control of the government, and the soldiers will join the nation?]
A: Can the mercenary commanders of the army, who were bought by America fifty years ago, change so rapidly? The army doesn't want the Shah, but the power is in the hands of the army commanders. The young officers and those holding ranks are particularly with the nation. But they don't have enough power to revolt yet. For the time being, the American military has got the power in its hands. But one should know that handling the affairs of this government is very difficult. Basically, the military cannot govern.
Q: [The Soviets say, the reason for the religious revolution against the Shah, is because of the land reform, which has taken away the land privilege that the clergy used to have. What is your response to such an accusation?]
A: If anyone was familiar with the living conditions of the clergy, he would have well known that the clergy has not had, and does not have any lands. The clergy are of the third class. The issue is not the land reform. The struggles of the Iranian nation are because of the Shah's thirty five years of crimes and betrayals, which were unveiled by the clergy, and are also meant to topple down the Shah's regime.