HC Deb 13 April 1926 vol 194 c19
lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information about the reported fighting in Iraq; what forces were engaged; and whether there were any casualties?

Mr. AMERY

A party of Syrian tribesmen crossed the frontier between Syria and Iraq on the 2nd April and attacked the tribesmen on the Iraq side. A section of armoured cars assisted the latter to repel the raiders and action was subsequently taken by aircraft. As a result the raiders withdrew across the frontier into Syrian territory; it is believed that they lost about 30 killed. The Iraqi tribesmen lost one killed and two wounded. No British casualties have been reported.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Do I understand that these tribesmen came from territory under French control, and, if so, are we making any representations to the French authorities in Syria to prevent these raids?

Mr. AMERY

The matter was purely a local raid between frontier tribes. No doubt the attention of the French Government has been drawn to the matter.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Are we to understand that the same Government which protests against the use of aeroplanes elsewhere justifies the use of air force in Iraq?