ARABS HIT AT IRAQ

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28155, 19 December 1956, Page 15

ARABS HIT AT IRAQ

AMMAN, December 17. Crowds shouted slogans calling the Iraqi Prime Minister (General Nuri al Said) a traitor to the Arabs when they demonstrated in the streets during a protest strike today. A general strike protesting against Iraq’s policy was called by the Jordan National Guidance Committee from dawn to dusk throughout Jordan, except in the Jerusalem Old City, where it lasted only two hours. All schools. Government departments, communications, shops and public utilities were closed.

In Cairo today, Egyptian workers also staged a nation-wide strike—for two hours—in condemnation of the policy of the Iraqi Prime Minister. From noon to 2 p.m. all traffic, including trains, was stopped and all shops throughout Egypt were closed. The demonstrators led dogs wearing wooden collars bearing the words. “Nuri al Said the Traitor.’’

Security forces escorted the demonstrators to prevent rioting and the embassies of the Bagdad Pact Powers were guarded by armed forces. Jordanian newspapers today attacked General Said for his message to the Iraqi people yesterday, defending the Bagdad Pact. They accused him of • running away from his duty and responsibility towards Arab policy and interests by alleging a fear of communism.

The Egyptian newspaper, “Al Shaab.’’ says it is virtually certain that General Said will be tried at the forthcoming session of the Arab League on a charge of permitting the flow of Iraqi oil to Haifa, and other allegations. This is regarded as a betrayal ol the Arab cause and a contribution towards Israel’s potential for aggression according to the newspaper, founded earlier this year by Major Salah Salem, a former Egyptian Minister of National Guidance.