740.0011 EW 1939/27334: Telegram

The Minister Resident in Iraq (Wilson) to the Secretary of State

21. Legation’s 18, January 187 and Department’s 16, January 15. Government controlled press now busy explaining to local populace meaning (or lack of meaning) of Iraq’s declaration of war on Axis. Nuri’s speech to Chamber of Deputies on January 16 took the following line of logic: (1) Future interests of Iraq and other Arab states required Iraq’s adherence to United Nations Declaration. (2) Prerequisite to such adherence is state of war between Iraq and Axis. Therefore Iraq has declared war in order to join United Nations in order to secure its own post-war interests and those of the other Arab states.

Local papers today carry officially inspired articles quashing street corner rumors that Iraqi Army will be sent abroad to fight Axis or that general mobilization can be expected. Press stresses fact that Iraq’s only commitments in becoming a member of the United Nations are those which she already has pledged under the Anglo-Iraqi treaty of alliance8 and the League Covenant and that she has assumed no new burdens by the declaration of war.

Wilson
  1. Not printed.
  2. Signed at Baghdad, June 30, 1930, British and Foreign State Papers, vol. cxxxii, p. 280.