867N.01/1666: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Iraq (Knabenshue) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 26—10:04 a.m.]
66. As reported in radio broadcasts the Mufti of Jerusalem escaped from virtual imprisonment in the Lebanon and came to Baghdad last week. He was feted by the Regent, Prime Minister and others. He will probably remain here for the duration of the war. The Prime Minister told me confidentially that he was glad to have the Mufti here for it made it possible for him to immobilize the Mufti and prevent his doing anything to prejudice or embarrass the Iraqi Government in its relations with the British. He added that he would use the Mufti against the Germans by having him issue statements and broadcasts and otherwise refute the propaganda of the Germans who have been using the Palestine situation as the basis of their propaganda campaign in the Arab countries.