REGIME COLLAPSES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 127, 31 May 1941, Page 9

REGIME COLLAPSES

Rebels In Irak

BRITISH ADVANCE ON BAGDAD

LONDON, May 30.

The quisling regime of Rashid Ali in Irak has collapsed, and, disappointed in the promise of German help, he has fled the country into Iran.

The flight of Rashid Ali has been followed by a broadcast from Bagdad telling the Iraki soldiers to give up their arms.

In his flight, Kashid Ali took with him two of his supporters—Sharaf, the man he appointed as Regent in place of the Amir Abdul Ilia, and his chief of staff, Amin Zaki.

A broadcast from Bagdad made the announcement that a Commission

of Internal Security had been established. This so-called commission ordered the dissolution of the military forces and urged all young men to give up their arms and go back into civilian clothes. The population was urged to remain calm and disciplined and was warned against disturbances.

The promise of German help to the rebels never materialised, though Vichy complied in allowing the use of Syrian aerodromes, and. it gradually became clear that with the German preoccupation in Crete Rashid Ali's resistance would soon crumble.

The true Regent of Irak, who has returned to the country, continues to receive many loyal deputations.

The British forces in Irak are now close to Bagdad. One mobile column which has been advancing from the north-west is now at Kadaimain, only five miles from the city. Another column advancing from the west has reached a point eight miles from the

city, but its progress has been hindered by damage to a bridge and by extensive floods.

The British advance from Basra is also continuing. A force advancing up the Euphrates has occupied Liquait, about 50 miles south-east of Ur.

The R.A.F. has continued to play its part in the campaign. Fighter planes have carried out patrols in support of the advancing troops, and bombers and reconnaissance planes have co-operated with the mechanised columns.

It is reported that Italian planes as well as German have been encountered over Irak, and one of three Italian planes which were intercepted by reconnaissance aircraft was shot down near Khan.

R.A.F. bombers have carried out a successful attack on an important aerodrome in Syria.

% It is emphasised that a Vichy report that the young King Feisal has been taken into Iran with Rashid Ali should be treated with reserve. It is not confirmed from any other source.

(Rec. noon.) LONDON, May 30. The Rome radio reports that Rashid Ali has arrived at Ankara.—U.P.A.