Save The Cyrus Cylinder

Anjoman-e Padeshahi-e Iran, API
P.O BOX 2553
Huntington park, CA 90255
U.S.A

December 9, 2009

Middle East Department Committee & Chief Executive Committee
British Museum
Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG
London,
England

Dear Committee Members,

It has been reported in the media that the British Museum will transfer the Cyrus the Great Cylinder to Iran in January, 2010 for a period of four months.

However, this news troubled many concerned Iranians.

For the past thirty years, the Islamic Republic government of Iran, has not only denied the Iranian history, but has actively destroyed numerous historical artifacts.

Many Iranians believe, the purpose of the Islamic government is not simply to boost tourism but to destroy the Cyrus Cylinder. The period which the Cylinder will stay in Iran, would provide the government, ample time to destroy the only ancient symbol of human rights in the world.

Many Iranians do not desire that the Cyrus the Great Cylinder to be transferred to the Islamic government under any circumstance. The current government, as witnessed by the global media in the summer of 2009, is not viewed by the majority of Iranians, as the legitimate government by the people of Iran.

We ask the British Museum to protect the heritage of Iran by not transferring such an ancient Cylinder to the illegitimate Islamic government in Iran.

Respectfully,

Mr. Jamshid Sharmahd
Mr. Iman Afar
Ms. Dordaneh Fouladvand