EASTERN BLOC FAVOURED

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25391, 14 January 1948, Page 3

EASTERN BLOC FAVOURED

ISLAMIC FEDERATION DEFENCE OF INTERESTS OF ARABS (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, December 10. • Islamic federation and the formation of an Eastern bloc consisting of the Arab States, Persia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, to defend Arab interests, are two subjects being discussed in Iraq, says the “Glasgow Herald.” The consensus of opinion in Bagdad political quarters is that the establishment of one or the other would assist Near and Middle Eastern countries to stand firm against any move from any quarter—great or small. Typical opinions were voiced by Mr Mustafa Al-umari, Deputy-President of the Iraqi Senate, and Mr Hamdi Pachachi, former Prime Minister of Iraq, and one of the ablest of the country’s elder statesmen, in recent interviews. Mr Mustafa Al-umari favours Islamic federation .because he believes that “such a firm stand by the Islamic world would constitute *a strong wall against Imperialism and Socialism.” “Both Imperialism and Socialism,” he said, “are trying hard to get everything we have. Russia. America, and Britain have all proved unfaithful to our friendship and the great help we gave them during the darkest days of the Second World War. They promised Persia, Iraq, Transjordan, and Egypt the greatest possible help after the war, but they have done everything since then to avoid keeping their promises. “If we could build an Islamic federation we might be able to defend our homeland more strongly than ever. But if we remain divided we shall be unable to- do anything.” Mr Hamdi Pachachi believes in both Islamic federation and the formation of an Eastern bloc, but he favours the establishment of the latter.

Control of Oilfields “Both Soviet Russia and the United States are struggling for control of the Middle East oilfields and the road to the Far East through the Near and Middle Eastern countries,” he said. “The clash betwen those two Powers may very well take place in the Middle East, and it is in the best interests of all the Middle Eastern countries to stand together to defend themselves. , “The conflict between Persia and Soviet Russia over the North Persian oilfield area is gradually increasing to the dimensions of an international crisis. An open clash might come about at any tirae on this issue. If there is a bio?, the Russians may think twice before attacking the Persians. The same applies to Iraq, Turkey, and any other State in this part of the world. “Both the Russians and the Americans, intent on building up their influence in the Middle and Near Eastern countries ita order to gain control of our oil, mineral resources, and agricultural products, are fighting a bitter battle against Britain on our soil. “It is in our interests to keep everything for ourselves and yield not an inch to either of the big Powers. If once either of those Powers gained a foothold in any one of the countries they would never let go. The Moslem and Eastern countries should take steps to defend themselves now. If we have to fight for our existence it is better to do so at once.”