740.0011 European War 1939/11576: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Iraq (Knabenshue) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 3—9:18 a.m.]
128. Following summary outstanding events respecting Legation during last month:
- (1)
- American women evacuated April 29 as reported.
- (2)
- American, British, and other nationalities, number 162, commenced taking refuge at Legation on April 30.
- (3)
- Hostilities began morning May 2.
- (4)
- Legation radio transmitting set delivered on demand to Iraqi authorities May 3. Demand for search of Legation refused.
- (5)
- At 11 a.m., May 4, telephone demand from Foreign Office for immediate delivery Iraqi subjects at Legation to police guard reason stated in order Iraqi subjects be removed from danger as Legation would probably be bombed within an hour because British had threatened bomb public buildings Baghdad and Iraqis intended [Page 510] retaliate by bombing British subjects wherever found such as British Embassy and American Legation. See my 115, May 4. Committee British subjects suggested asking for safe conduct to British Embassy in order save Legation. Posed hypothetical question Foreign Office but it was refused. British nevertheless offered to leave but I refused. All went to cellars against threatened bombings. Hour later Foreign Office demanded surrender British subjects at Legation. See my 115, May 4.
- (6)
- Following is my 114, May 4, which Foreign Office cancelled
after reading:
“I have just been informed by the Iraqi Ministry for Foreign Affairs that the American University at Beirut has given notice to Iraqi students at the University that they must leave the University within 48 hours, the time limit of which expires at 12:00 noon, May 5. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has asked me to inform the United States Government that if the demand of the American University for the evacuation of its Iraqi students is carried out all American citizens in Iraq, including myself and the Legation staff, will be interned and then expelled from the country.
I am sending a telegram to our Consul General at Beirut informing him of the above and suggesting that the University postpone action until receipt of instructions from the Department.
I have tried to impress the Ministry for Foreign Affairs with the fact that their demand is a most extraordinary one, contrary to all principles of International Law and relations between states and have pointed out that the University at Beirut is a purely private institution over which the Government of the United States has absolutely no control.”
- (7)
- May 19 Foreign Office refused permit me send diplomatic courier to Aleppo or elsewhere abroad.
- (8)
- Thereafter received several nasty notes from Foreign Office but otherwise no further developments.
- (9)
- My policy with Foreign Office was tact and appeasement where expedient without relinquishment of established diplomatic immunities in order to continue protection those who had taken refuge at Legation.
- (10)
- All refugees at Legation are in good health and spirits and will leave Legation safely tomorrow or when public order is definitely assured.
- (11)
- When new Government formed I will make necessary reservation respect to physical and moral damages to American citizens and property and the Legation.