BRITISH IN IRAK

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 102, 2 May 1941, Page 7

BRITISH IN IRAK

DIFFICULTY ARISES

ARRIVAL OF TROOPS

RIGHTS ASSERTED

(Rec. 11.30 a.m.)

RUGBY, May 1.

Bagdad reports show that certain difficulties have arisen in connection with the presence of Imperial forces in Irak.

Following the arrival of British troops at Basra, the Iraki Administration sujddenly took the line that they could not agree to the arrival of further British troops before those which had already arrived had passed through. Since the British Government could not agree to any derogation of their clear treaty rights, the movement proceeded as planned and the units disembarked at Basra. Certain concentrations of the Iraki army, however, have now taken place which might be regarded as a threat to the security of the British air- base at Habbania, 60 miles west of Bagdad. , The Iraki Administration is being j pressed to remove the troops in question as soon as possible, to avoid risk of any incident.—B.O.W. LONDON, May 1. It is pointed out in connection with the difference of opinion with the Iraki Administration thai the Anglo-Iraki treaty of alliance does in fact provide that in the event of imminent danger of war Irak will give Britain all facilities on Iraki territory. The British Ambassador to Irak has told the Iraki authorities that Britain cannot allow her treaty rights to be impaired. He has been authorised to take any steps he thinks fit to ensure the safety of British women and children.