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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT

TO BE KEPT Under LOCK AND KEY.

It is requested that special care may be taken to ensure the secrecy of this document.

53

SECRET.

C.O.S.(40) 461.

(Also W.P. (40)205).

14TH JUNE, 1940.

WAR CABINET.

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMDIITTEE.

COPY NO.

Page 68

1.

INTERNAL SECURITY IN IRAQ.

Memorandum.

There

The adherence of Iraq to the cause of the Allies is in considerable danger. Anti-British feeling runs high, particularly among the younger army officers. are doubts as to the loyalty of the army in an emergency and German exploits do more than merely evoke admiration. There are reports of Fifth Column organisation, though these reports do not give precise information on the size or the power of such organisation as exists. These are not the only indications of coming disturbances, but they are the most important ones.

2.

The Iraqi Government has, up till recently, given the impression that it faces these difficulties with a measure of impotence, or possibly connivance. In late May certain repressive measures against public demonstra- tions, and the press, were taken. The Government have backed this more resolute attitude with what may turn out to be a genuine effort to keep the younger officers under control.

The results of these measures are promising so far as they go. It is not, however, considered that they go far enough. The attitude of the press is but a symptom, and it seems that we should be wise to press our efforts for the betterment of the situation as far as to include those causes of the disease which we can identify. The following suggestions are put forward for consideration by the War Cabinet.

(1) It should be demanded of the Iraqi Government

to play their responsible part in implementing, not merely the letter, but the spirit of the Treaty, and that public declarations, spoken or written, by Iraqi statesmen are essential.

461

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