§ Mr. WARDLAW MILNE(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State, for the Colonies whether he can give the House any further information regarding the serious disturbances said to have taken place in Northern Iraq, and whether, as a result of action taken by the authorities, order has now been restored?
Mr. THOMASI have not much to add to the statement that has already been published. I am satisfied that the local authorities handled the situation with great promptitude, and that all possible steps were taken to restore order. A detachment of two platoons of British infantry was sent by air to Kirkuk immediately news of the disturbance was received. The High Commissioner himself visited the town on the following morning, and issued a proclamation promising speedy inquiry into the whole affair. The effect of this proclamation is reported to have been very good. Preliminary inquiries actually started on the 7th May. I await a report as to their results, but in the meantime I think I can assure the House that the situation is well in hand.
Mr. MILNEThe House is grateful lo the right hon. Gentleman. Can he tell me whether the original trouble was confined to the populace and the Iraqian native levies, or whether any British levies were involved?