NO REST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 May 1941, Page 5

NO REST

GIVEN TO HOSTILE FORCES IN IRAQ POSITION AT HABBANIA MUCH IMPROVED. GUNS AND REINFORCEMENTS INTRODUCED. LONDON, May 7. The R.A.F. in Iraq is giving no respite to the hostile forces and constant air attacks have been made and heavy casualties inflicted. Howitzers have been taken to Habbania by air and reinforcements have also been brought up and women and children taken to safety. The enemy has been driven from positions overlooking the Habbania cantonment and aircraft have harassed the retreating forces. Only part of -the Iraqui army is supporting the present leaders. ATTACKERS RETREAT FROM HABBANIA AREA. OIL PIPE LINE POST GIVEN UP. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, May 7. A Royal Air Force communique from the Middle East headquarters states that the situation surrounding the air station at Habbania, Iraq, is much easier. Some of the hostile force have retreated away from the station. A British reconnaissance plane saw other insurgents who had been occupying a point on the oil pipe line waving white flags, signifying that they wished to surrender. Subsequently the post was occupied by our ground troops. The situation at Basra is still quiet EVERYONE SAFE AT BAGDAD EMBASSY. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Dav. 10.35 a.m.) RUGBY, May 7. It is learned that all the British at the Embassy in Bagdad are safe. NEW GOVERNMENT FORMED BY FORMER PREMIER. (Received This Day. 11 a.m.) LONDON. May 7. According to a Hungarian news agency's Beirut correspondent, the former Iraqui Premier. General Nuri Es Said has formed a Counter-Gov-ernment in Amman, capital of Transjordan. Members of his cabinet immediately went to Basra. General Nuri Es Said was a friend of Lawrence of Arabia.