Britain's Treaty With Iraq Hailed As instrument Of Security In Middle East

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 January 1948, Page 5

Britain's Treaty With Iraq Hailed As instrument Of Security In Middle East

Received 7.25 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 16 “A major instrument of international security in the Middle East,” is how ‘‘The Times,” in a leader, describes the new 20year treaty of alliance between Britain and Iraq, which providee for close military and economic co-operation between the two countries, both in peace and war.

‘‘The new treaty,” “The] Times” says, “embodies the conception of close and effective cooperation between the two equal I Powers for preservation of peace in conformity with the United Nations’ Organisation Charter.” Britain, “The Times” points out. has not increased her resnonsibllities by the new treaty. “Ineed, in so far as these responsibilities are now shared equitably with Iraq the British burden is lightened,” “The Times” adds. The new alliance, which replaces the 1930 treaty, provides that in the event of war or threat of war British troops will be invited to enter Iraq immediately and will be given every

I facility. R.A.F. bases at Habbaniya and Shaiba are to be handed over to Iraq, but they are to be maintained. , “In a necessary state of operational I efficiency” by the assistance of a British technical staff and equipment, and R. A. F. operational units are to be granted full use of these basqs until, under the peace treaties, all Allied troops are withdrawn from all exenemy countries. A permanent Ango-Iraq joint defence board is to be set up to coordinate the resources of both countries for the maintenance of regional security. The “Daily Mail’s political correspondent says Britain hopes eventually that agreement can be reached for a joint defence system for the whole Middle-Eastern area.