ACT OF TREACHERY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 May 1941, Page 6

ACT OF TREACHERY

ATTACK ON BRITISH FORCES IN IRAQ RASHID ALPS PROMISE RECALLED. MUCH INTERNAL OPPOSITION TO USERFER. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.20 a.m.) RUGBY, May 2. The concentration of Iraqui trocps round Habbanyi unfortunately led to a clash with the British forces stationed there. Despite requests for their withdrawal, these Iraqui troops were reinforced yesterday and early this morning opened fire on the cantonment, obliging the British forces to take necessary counter-action. Fighting continued throughout the day and is believed to be still in progress. It is recalled that when Rashid Ali, supported by some high Army leaders, seized power by force a month ago, he declared publicly his intention of honouring the Anglo-Iraqui Treaty of Alliance. Consequently, when Britain notified its desire to open a line of communications through Iraq for British forces in accordance with arrangements made with Iraq a year ago, he agreed to this action and the troops landed at Basra without incident. When, however, some days later, a further contingent was notified, the Iraqui authorities declared that they were unwilling to grant permission for further British troops to arrive in Iraq before those which had already arrived had passed through. British insistence on treaty rights, and the landing of further troops at Basra, was followed by a menacing concentration of Iraqui troops round Habbanyi and the local Iraqui commander conveyed to the British officer commanding at Habbanyi a provocative message that no rights or troops movements at Habbanyi would be permitted, under threat of bombardment.

Representations by the British Ambassador to Rashid Ali to secure the withdrawal of the Iraqui troops were disregarded. There is reason to believe that the anti-British policy adopled by Rashid Ali is meeting with considerable opposition by the people of Iraq, who would welcome a restoration of the friendly relations which have hitherto existed between the two countries.

APPEAL TO NAZIS MADE DY IRAQUI PREMIER. ACCORDING TO ANKARA RADIO. (Received This Day, 12.45 p.m.) ANKARA. May 2. A radio announcement says the Iraqui Premier is reported to have asked Germany for assistance against Britain.