Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–4, Documents on Iran and Iraq, 1969–1972

282. Telegram 47357 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Belgium¹ ²

Washington, March 20, 1971, 0249Z

SUBJ:

• REPIR: Arrests of Jews in Baghdad

REF:

• State 36204, Kathmandu 738

1. We continue to receive reports that number (now 42) of Jews have bean arrested in Baghdad allegedly for participation in attempts to leave Iraq by clandestine means. In addition, our sources here state that there are strong rumors the GOI plans to put these people on trial in the near future.

2. Until now we have been waiting for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to undertake a visit to Baghdad re plight of Jews before embarking on any USG effort on their behalf. High Commissioner was reportedly expected in Baghdad this week, but we have no confirmation his arrival, although FBIS reports his meeting with Iraqi President on March 16. Would greatly appreciate your querying through Belgian Foreign Ministry REPIR Baghdad re arrival High Commissioner and any other info it might have.

3. In addition, Embassy should also raise subject of alleged arrests and possible trial of Jews with Belgian Foreign Ministry, inquiring whether Belgians would be prepared to make approach to GOI on our behalf. If GOB agreeable, such an approach could be based on increasing appeals for information re condition Iraqi family members by American citizens of the Jewish faith. In this regard, you might also suggest to Belgian Foreign Ministry possibility of coordinating such an approach with Dutch, whose Ambassador in Baghdad, according to Belgian Ambassador there, has reliable information re Jewish community as well as relatively good relations with GOI.

END

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 29 IRAQ. Confidential. Repeated to The Hague, Mission Geneva, and USUN. Drafted by Thomas J. Scotes; cleared by Seelye, Papandorp, Trinka, and Trueworthy; approved by Atherton.
2. With arrests of Iraqi Jews increasing, the Department pressed for information on the scheduled visit of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to Baghdad, and suggested asking the Belgian Government to make an appeal on behalf of the United States.