I did as I was told. She led me to a passenger car which had been parked in a corner. Inside the car was the cameraman of the Ministry of Arts and Culture and a press officer from the Ministry of Court.

The car headed for Mehrabad. I asked the press officer of the Ministry of Court what had happened? What is the news? Aren't the foreign journalists coming to the airport? What has gone wrong that has caused the plan to be changed? He replied that they had called from Mehrabad Airport to say that His Majesty was not interested in seeing the foreign journalists and that there was to be no press conference either. "Only the NIRT reporter can come to the airport and ask any question he wants," he said. "That's why we cancelled the plan. We are taking you to the airport to tape the Shahanshah's speech in the Royal Pavilion."

The car passed Eisenhower Avenue and we left Shahyad square behind us and turned into the airport area. The airport had been surrounded by elite Javidan (Immortal) Guards and special units of His Majesty's bodyguards. When I reached the Royal Pavilion I recognized Safa Haeri who was trying to get in but was being refused entry. He is a smart and experienced reporter who never loses an opportunity to hunt for news. I don't know how he had made it to the airport alone but unfortunately he had run into the Imperial Guard's impenetrable security ring.

Our car sped past him and after flashing our press card our equipment was searched. We lingered in front of the Royal Pavilion for their Majesties to come out. My curiosity made me peer inside the hall.

The late Shah was pacing back and forth as if he was awaiting someone. In fact His Majesty was awaiting Dr Bakhtiar who was due at the airport shortly after receiving a vote of confidence in the Majlis.

The time was a few minutes past 10:30 am. Her Majesty, the Shahbanou, was talking to His Majesty. The royal plane, a 727 aircraft called "Shahin" was on standby at the tarmac. At this moment General Gharabaghi (Chief of the Joint chiefs of staff) who was waiting in the hall approached His Majesty and offered him a pouch and exchanged a few words. The Shahanshah and the Shahbanou remained in the Royal Pavilion for about an hour waiting for Prime Minister Bakhtiar.

It was around 11 am when Dr. Shapour Bakhtiar's helicopter landed at the airport. The Prime Minister walked speedily across the tarmac and entered the Royal Pavilion. He was followed by the late Dr. Javad Saeed, the head of the Majlis. Once inside, Dr. Bakhtiar bowed and kissed the Shahanshah's hand.

His Majesty asked him if he had received the vote of confidence? Dr. Bakhtiar answered, "Yes, Sire." The Shahanshah congratulated him. Soon afterwards, their Majesties proceeded to leave the Royal Pavilion. I was waiting to go inside to tape His Majesty's farewell message.