U.S. Recognises Iraq, But Not Togo

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30055, 13 February 1963, Page 13

U.S. Recognises Iraq, But Not Togo

(N.Z.P.A .-Reuter—Copyright)

WASHINGTON, February 11. The United States decided today to extend diplomatic recognition to the new Government of Iraq, but in another case it said that no decision had been taken yet on extending recognition to the new Government of Togo.

The State Department announced United States recognition of Colonel Abdul Salaam Arifs new regime and also said the United States extended its “best wishes” for the success and prosperity of the Iraqi Government. The department’s spokesman was asked about United States recognition of the Togo Government in view of the decision to recognise the new Iraqi regime only three days after the overthrow of General Kassem’s Government He replied: “The matter is still being studied. No decision has been reached as yet.” President Sylvanus Olympic of Togo was assassinated on January 13 by a group of former Army non-commissioned officers who have since supported the establishment of a new Government under a former Togo Prime Minister, Mr Nicholas Grunitsky. United States recognition of the new Iraqi Government came close on the heels of an announcement in London that Britain would recognise the Bagdad Government. Washington observers remarked that the United States had been unusually quick in recognising the new Government, which seized power in a coup d'etat on Friday. Iraq’s new leaders are reported to be waging a bloody campaign against Communists throughout the country. Iraqi Communists were “fighting desperately” to

counter the revolution, according to reports reaching several Middle Eastern capitals. Reliable sources in Beirut and Damascus said the Communists were being wiped out in the fiercest offensive in Iraq since the 1959 Mosul “blood bath.” The Communists then killed hundreds of Arab Socialists and Nationalists who had staged an unsuccessful upnsi _, against General Kassem In Bagdad, life appeared to be returning to normal two days after General Kassem s execution by a firing squad. In Basra, however, heavy fighting was reported between Communists and forces loyal to the new regime. Sources in Damascus said there had been “mass killings” of Communists all over Iraq but mostly in the southern province of Alnaja. Taking part in the drive were troops, police and militia units which had been se* up in every Iraqi province with authority to round up Communists. Correspondents and photographers were still barred from entering the country, and Radio Bagdad remained the only source of official news, said the Associated Press. The radio has announced confiscation of money and property of 12 of Kassem’s former Cabinet Ministers, including the Foreign Minister, Mr Hashim Jawad.