BRITAIN & IRAQ

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 April 1941, Page 5

BRITAIN & IRAQ

STRONG IMPERIAL FORCES AT BASRA

WELCOMED BY THE NEW ADMINISTRATION.

ACTION UNDER TREATY.

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, April 20.

Strong Imperial forces have arrived at Basra, the chief port of Iraq, to open up lines of communication across Iraq. The new Iraq Administration and also the poppulation warmly welcomed the troops and are giving their co-opera-tion

The official announcement that the troops had arrived at Basra said their presence is in accordance with the British-Iraq treaty of alliance. The new Iraq administration, true to the Premier, Rashid All’s initial assurances, is affording full facilities, and sent a high officer to Basra to welcome the British commanding officer and collaborate with him in making all arrangements. The local population, who have happy memories of British and Indian soldiers in the last war, warmly welcomed the troops. The co-operation of the Iraq authorities in the execution of this movement has made a favourable impression in London, and leads to the hope that more normal relations between the two countries may soon be established. The landing of the Imperial troops is welcomed in the British Press.

The “Sunday Express” says a firm footing in Iraq is essential to Britain, and the “Sunday Times” declares that this supply route may become of vital importance to the Turks.