IRAQ COUP d’ETAT

Grey River Argus, 9 April 1941, Page 6

IRAQ COUP d’ETAT

MOST OF ARMY CO-OPERATE. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, April 7. It is now clear that the greater part .of the Army of Iraq has cooperated in the coup d’etat, whereby Rashid has replaced Abdul Hah (Regent). ■ REGENT’S APPEAL. LONDON, April 8. The Regent of Iraq, Abdul Ilah, has broadcast to Iraq from Basra, .whither he has fled. He called on the people of Iraq to reject the rebellious elements, who, he said were exposing the country to danger. He added that he had been .obliged to leave after his residence had been surrounded by Rashid’s followers. He accused the followers of Rashid of being under foreign influence. LONDON DOUBTS OF RAiSHID. [British Official Wireless] RUGBY, April 7. In a recent broadcast, Rashid Ali, who last week unconstitutionally seized control in Iraq, while the Parliament was in recess, is reported to have said that it is an essential part of his programme to adhere to the international_obligations of Iraq, especially the Anglo Iraq Treaty of Alliance, and to continue to apply provisions of this treaty in a’ spirit of friendship and cordiality. London official circles point out that, in view of a friendly attitude of the Iraq people towards this country, and great benefits which Iraq derives from the Anglo-Iraq Treaty, a declaration of this kind is only natural.' The fact remains, however, that

the present movement in Baghdad is to complete violation of the Iraq constitution, and that deeds' rather than words’must be the basis of any judgment.