740.0011 European War 1939/10893: Telegram
The Ambassador in Turkey (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:05 p.m.]
143. For Secretary and Under Secretary. Iraqi War Minister Naji Shawket (formerly Minister here) who arrived 5 days ago has evidently sought to obtain this Government’s assistance in formulating acceptable basis of understanding with British.
Turkish Foreign Office officials in course of conversations made plain to him their conviction that Iraq had violated its treaty of alliance with Britain and taken course whose successful outcome could only place it and Moslem world at mercy of power far less indulgent and more oppressive.
- (2)
- Upon being informed by Turks of tenor of Naji’s suggestions for accord British Ambassador asked Foreign Minister to advise him that his Government still intends to respect independence of Iraq to fullest extent compatible with rights under treaty of alliance but cannot accept limitation or qualification of its discretion as to [Page 508] landing or movement of military forces in Iraq under that treaty. Approving this preliminary reply London added it could not trust to any understanding with Rashid Ali known to be not only hostile but in active communication with Germans and that it would advise this Government to discontinue any efforts towards mediation with Nazis [Naji?] since he is known to have intrigued with Von Papen on his visits to Turkey last summer.
- (3)
- I understand Iraqis have similarly sent emissary to Ibn Saud40 despite latter’s previous statement he would not be welcome.
- (4)
- I am also informed thru [that?] Iraqi Legation Kabul asked support of Afghan Government first proposing that it take up case as matter of common interest under Saadabad Pact but receiving reply that questions at issue might better have been taken up by Iraq with its associates in that pact before instead of after starting armed quarrel with British and then making and being rebuffed in the suggestion that Afghanistan take initiative in calling Jehad41 against Britain.
- (5)
- Minor official of Iraq Legation here (whose Minister is brother of Rashid Ali) has naively requested official Anatolu news agency to publish such call to holy war.
- (6)
- From most confidential source I am informed that Turks (particularly military) have rather bluntly expressed to British their conviction that only way latter can extricate themselves from difficulties into which they have got themselves in Iraq is by quick and drastic military action.
- (7)
- British colleague assures me his Government while of course finding unwelcome implied recognition of Rashid Ali is inclined to regard recent Soviet establishment of relations with Iraq as only casually inopportune and not significant of special Russian attitude towards present situation.