IRAQI PLOT ALLEGED

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28766, 11 December 1958, Page 28

IRAQI PLOT ALLEGED

U.S. Complicity Denied (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) BAGDAD, Dec. 9. Television screens in Bagdad today showed a pile of arms—-machine-guns, rifles, revolvers, daggers, hatchets, and brass knuckles—which were alleged to have been gathered for a plot to overthrow the Iraqi Government, the British United Press reported. The announcement was made yesterday by the Prime Minister (General Kassim), who said the plot was timed for today and tomorrow by a ‘ ‘corrupt element in league with foreigners outside Iraq.” A number of people were arrested and will be tried, but the date has not yet been set. Lorryloads of young men toured Bagdad today demanding the heads of the alleged conspirators. The Army and police increased security precautions immediately after General Kassim’s announcement. Special measures were taken on bridges spanning the Tigris, and cars crossing the bridges were thoroughly searched. “Hair-raising” The newspaper, “Al Bilaad,” said today that the alleged criminals’ motives and the purposes of the conspirators exceeded those of the old regime. “One’s hair rises at the extent of the bloodshed which these criminals planned—and all for the benefit of foreign influence.” the newspaper said. The United States State Department has denied that any Americans have been involved in any counter-revolution plot in Iraq. The department said that any reference to Americans involved was “without foundation.” General Kassim’s statement did not indicate the nationality of the foreigners said to have been involved, but the semi-official Egyptian Middle East news agency, in a report from Cairo, said it was understood they were Americans.