An interesting letter dated 25 Mehr 1357, from the late Shah to his son, Reza Pahlavi, who was taking advanced jet fighter pilot training in the United States:

My dear Reza, I was happy to read your letter, and also to hear your dear voice. Each week you have been getting very good results at school, both in terms of flying and in terms of your studies, which makes me very happy. And the praise that Americans give you brings pride. Of course, I miss you, but I know how useful what you are doing is, and from now on, besides your own lessons, how much useful material you will learn as well. God willing, the rest of the pilot training will go just as well, and I will be able to see my dear good son again and kiss him.

We are also very busy here; may God decide what will happen. Farah, Alireza, Lili—everyone, thanks be to God, is well. You have come to Niavaran for a week now, and the weather is currently ideal. This year, because of the earthquake in Tabas, the celebrations on 4 and 9 Aban are not being held. God willing, the ruined villages will be rebuilt soon and people will have peace.

With my best wishes for you. I kiss you a thousand times.

Your father, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi