IRAQI TROOPS ATTACK BRITISH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 103, 3 May 1941, Page 9

IRAQI TROOPS ATTACK BRITISH.

CLASH CONTINUES. Rashid Ali Seeking Nazi Assistance? British Official \Yirrlo<s. Rcc. 1 p.m. RUGBY, May 2. The concentration of Iraqi troops round Habbaniyan unfortunately led to a clash with British forces stationed there. Despite requests for withdrawal the Iraqi troops were reinforced yesterday and early this morning opened fire on a cantonment, obliging British forces to take necessary counter action. Fighting continued throughout the day. and it 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 to honour the treaty of [. alliance with Britain. Consequently, when Britain notified its desire to open a line of communications I through Iraqi for British forces in i accordance with arrangements made | with Iraq a year ago. he agreed to this action and troops were landed at Basra without incident. When, however, some days later, a further contingent was notified, the Iraqi authorities declared that they were unwilling to grant permission for further British troops to arrive in Iraq before thor.o which already had arrived had passed through. British insistence on treaty rights, and the landing of further troops at Basra, was followed by a menacing concentration of Iraqi troops round Habbaniyah and the local Iraqi commander conveyed to the British officer commanding at Habbaniyah a provocative message that no flights of planes or troop movements at I Habbaniyan wouid he permitted I under threat of bombardment. ! Representations by the British ! Ambassador to Rashid Ali to secure ! the withdrawal of the Iraqi troops were disregarded. There is reason to believe that the anti-British policy adopted by Rashid Ali is meeting vnth considerable opposition by the people of Iraq, who would welcome the restoration of the friendly relations which had hitherto existed between the two countries. The Ankara radio, according to a cable, says the Iraqi Premier. Rashid Ali. is reported to have asked Ger many for assistance against Britain The 8.8.C. Arabic service ha.appealed to the people of Iraq tc expel the present Government. IN BRITISH FORCES. JEWS URGED TO ENLIST. Rec. 2 p.m. JERUSALEM, May 2 The Jewish Agency has called or i bachelors between the ages of 23 anc 30 to enlist in the British forces. I points out that the present total o SOOO volunteers is not nearly enough