In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
After extending my greetings to you, I wish to inform you that the Iraqi officials have repeatedly promised to extend the stay of the distinguished spiritual leaders and the students of the theological center, and have also conveyed your concern for their welfare. In spite of this, the authorities have unexpectedly started harassing and arresting them in a most deplorable manner recently. They have also notified them to leave the country within a week.
I do not wish to bother you, but I think it my duty to draw your attention to the telegram of Dhou'l-Qa`dah 4,1395 AH in which I had explained the matter to you. Now, also, I would like to point out, as per my duty, that it is not proper to close down, during your tenure, the more than a thousand-year-old theological center of Najaf which was established to impart knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, and has played an important part in eradicating moral and social corruption. It is not right that more than a thousand distinguished scholars, so offended, be expelled from your country in such a manner and get dispersed in various countries. It is not prudent that the high-ranking religious authorities and the respected shaykhs, who may emigrate following the expulsion, leave your country in such circumstances.
You are aware that Islamic jurists and leading religious authorities are held in high esteem by the Muslims. It is not advisable to make people feel offended with your government at this juncture, thus giving the opportunity for ill-intentioned people to indulge in propaganda. I feel that, in all probability, the antagonists posing as friends have a hand in this affair. I do not suppose that this matter is the outcome of any benevolent idea.
The unity of Muslims and Islamic governments is foremost in my life's work. I am perturbed about the differences among the Islamic states. I feel apprehensive about the occurrences that lead to discord between Muslims and their governments, and draw your attention to the harm it causes. I therefore deem it advisable for you to order the authorities not to intrude upon the blessed theological center and to grant the clergy residency in accordance with the undertaking given. And also allow the rest of them, residency so that the students pursue their studies with all confidence and engage themselves in serving Islam and Islamic countries. May peace be upon you.
Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini
Jamadi ath-Thani 13,1395 AH