890G.00/590: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Iraq (Knabenshue) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 30—7:30 a.m.]
108. British Ambassador informed me this afternoon that he gathers from his long conversation with Gailani yesterday that the Iraq Government may rupture diplomatic relations with Britain on grounds of violation of treaty.
With established air bases in Iraq and presence of troops which are to be further reinforced middle May the result of such action by Iraq Government would be obvious—crushing of present government and army by the British and restoration of legal Iraqi Government and return of Abdul Allah [Ilah] to resume regency. In view of illegality of present government and its hostile attitude interfering with [Page 504] British war effort it would seem British would be justified in such action. Moreover, most better Iraqi politicians and public would welcome it. Total evacuation of British women and children has alarmed Iraqis. It shows British mean business and it might have salutary effect.