NEW REVOLT IN IRAQ

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28840, 10 March 1959, Page 15

NEW REVOLT IN IRAQ

Anti-Communists Control North

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11.45 pjn.) BEIRUT, March 9. Civil war has erupted in Iraq where King Feisal was killed in a revolution led by Major-General Abdel Kassem last July. Conflicting reports today claimed that rebels in the north, the centre of Iraq’s oil industry, led by Colonel Abdul Shawwaf, the Iraqi Army commander in the region, had seized control of Mosul, the largest town in the area, and were preparing to march on Bagdad. Bagdad Radio claimed that Colonel Shawwaf had fled and that he had been killed. It also offered a reward for his capture. The radio claimed that the revolt had ended and that the republic’s army was in full control of the situation. But the rebel radio this morning said the rebels were in full control of northern Iraq. They are believed to be anti-Communist and in favour of closer ties with the Unitefl Arab Republic.

Differences over communism and relations with the United Arab Republic have split Iraq’s leadership since the July revolution. Mosul Radio, broadcasting in the name of Colonel Shawwaf. said early today that the leaders of the new revolution favoured a policy of positive neutrality and good relations with all friendly States, especially the United Arab Renublic. It repeated earlier demands that the Western-controlled Iraqi Petroleum Company, which operates fields in northern Iraq, should not pay any .further royalties to the Government in Bagdad. A “first communique” issued by Mosul Radio called on senior officers in all Army units to take them over in the name of the revolutionary command. It said the revolt was aimed against: Despotism—the creation of “an idol to be worshipped as another God”; the persecution of “free officers”; the betrayal of the July revolution; the support given to a group which believed in * political doctrines without popular support; the deposing of revolutionary Ministers; deviation from Arab solidarity; and the imprisonment of thousands of citizens. The revolutionary command also claimed that the movement in Mosul was the “legitimate government” of the country. Throughout the night Bagdad Radio was silent about the extent of the revolt against General Kassem.

Later, a reward of £lO,OOO was offered for the capture of the colonel “dead or alive.” He was accused of conspiring with an unnamed foreigner against the interests of the State. Clashes In Mosul Reports in neighbouring Syria said many persons were killed at Mosul between armed Communists and Arab nationalists. Troops of Colonel Shawwaf’s fifth brigade were involved in three clashes. In a later broadcast Bagdad Radio claimed that Colonel Shawwaf had fled from Mosul towards the Syrian border. It appealed to the Army, police, civil servants and the people to co-operate with the border posts in an effort to arrest him. Later still it reported that Colonel Shawwaf had been killed by his officers and troops this morning. Shortly after the Bagdad claim that the revolt had been put do\yn, the rebel radio came on the air again and claimed that the rebels were still in control of Mosul and that by tomorrow they would control “the tyrant and his Army.” The rebel radio said that Bagdad was claiming to be in control of Mosul. The Army was in control, it continued, but it was the Army of the “glorious revolution” and not that of “the tyrant Kassem.” The radio said the “free Iraqi Army” in the north had full control of the situation and had the upper hand over General Kassem’s forces.

‘"riie dictator will definitely be defeated.” the broadcast claimed.