IRAQI FIASCO

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 153, 31 May 1941, Page 8

IRAQI FIASCO

NAZI PLAN SMASHED. (United Press Association —Copyright) (Ucc. 2.20 p.m.) LONDON, -May 20. The revolt in Iraq lias virtually ended ivitk Rashid Ali’s lliglit. The British approaching Bagdad are held up more by Hoods than armecL.resistance. Southern Iraq is quiet and it only remains to wipe up tlie north, where the insurgents and a few German airmen still hold the oil pipeline, which the Germans will undoubtedly damage before departing. The revolt obviously went off halfcock. Germany intended it to begin after strengthening her position in the .Eastern Mediterranean, but Rashid Ali lit the fuse too soon and the British prevented the arrival of German reinforcements.

Moreover, Major Bloinbergs accidental death deprived the Germans of their organiser at Bagdad. The R.A.F. .dropped tens of thousands of leaflets on’Bagdad on Thursday, proclaiming the Emir Abdul Blah’s return and appealing to the citizens to light against the German hirelings. The prisoners taken at Fallujali reveal a growing lack of enthusiasm among the rebels, many of whom declare thev were misled.

The insurgents are also teeling the lack of petrol, especially after the R.A.F. on Wednesday destroyed their principal dump near Bagdad. Little credence is placed in London on Rashid Ali’s reported abduction of King Feisal.