COUP D’ETAT IN IRAQ

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23300, 9 April 1941, Page 8

COUP D’ETAT IN IRAQ

Regent Forced To Leave BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE (Received April 8, 10 p.m.) LONDON. April 7. It is now clear that the greater part of the Iraqi Army co-operated in the coup-d’etat in Iraq last week. The Regent of Iraq. Eimer Abdul Ilah, broadcasting from Basra, to where he has fled, called on the people of Iraq to reject rebellious elements exposing the country to danger. He added that he was obliged to leave the country after his residence had been surrounded by Seyyid Rashid's followers, whom he accused of being under foreign influence. A British Official Wireless message says that, in a recent broadcast, Seyyid Rashid, who last week unconstitutionally seized control in Iraq, while the Parliament was in recess, is reported to have said that it is an essential part of his programme to adhere to the international obligations of Iraq, especially to the British-Iraqi treaty of alliance, and to continue to apply the provisions of this treaty in a spirit of friendship and cordiality. London official circles point out that in view of the friendly attitude of the Iraqi people towards this country and the great benefits which Iraq derives from the treaty, a declaration of this kind is only natural. The fact remains, however, that the present movement in Bagdad is a complete violation of the Iraqi constitution and that deeds rather than words must be the basis of any judgment. '