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The Minister Resident in Iraq ( Knabenshue ) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 21—5:50 p.m.]
23. My 20, April 19, 3 p.m. The British Chargé d’Affaires has informed me that the Iraqi Minister for Foreign Affairs expected to be asked today the two following questions by the German Minister: (1) Did Iraq authorize President Roosevelt to mention her among the list of countries cited in his message? (2) Was Iraq afraid of Germany?
The Minister for Foreign Affairs informed the Chargé d’Affaires that he has concerted replies to these two questions with the Saudi-Arabian Minister, who is to be similarly questioned, in the following sense: (1) Although Iraq had not authorized the President to speak on her behalf she, as a member of the League of Nations, welcomes his action and thoroughly approves it. (2) Iraq has seen three states in Europe and one in Africa disappear and naturally feels apprehensive of the aggressive policy pursued by Germany. Iraq’s only desire is to develop her independence in security.