Sir: It is indeed a pity that people whose knowledge of Iran is at best superficial should venture to interpret the political and social problems of our country. One such interpretation was contained in a letter by N. Roger Chapin of River Falls, Wisconsin — Pioneer Press, January 27, 1965.

Mr. Chapin’s assertions prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is quite ignorant of the great changes which are taking shape in Iran, and the picture he has in his mind is a distorted one. Contrary to his assertions the assassination of Premier Mansour was the act of a mentally disturbed individual influenced by a fanatical group, but certainly not a sign of general discontent in the country. [Ali Mansour] Such meaningless and fruitless acts have been committed even in highly advanced countries and among peoples who take pride in their democratic way of life.

Furthermore there are several inaccuracies in Mr. Chapin’s letter regarding the C.I.A. role in the events of 1953, the nationalization of the Iranian oil industry and the effectiveness of the land reform program. Facts are that the oil industry was nationalized by the parliament before Dr. Mossadegh was appointed prime minister, that land reform is a reality with almost two million serfs of yesterday being small landowners of today, and that Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi was not made Shahanshah of Iran with the help of the C.I.A.

Today reforms that are being carried out in Iran will revolutionize the country’s social, economic, and political structures. While Mr. Chapin gives himself the benefit of the doubt millions are becoming landowners, 400,000 illiterate farmers have found the light of knowledge in the last two years, the newly established Health Corps is scattered far and wide to bring blessings of modern medicine to the rural areas and the women of Iran are increasingly active in politics, social work, and industry.

With all this happening in Iran, Mr. Chapin talks of the “suppression of civil rights” and strongly advocates “violence” as being “the only alternative” to save the situation.