§ 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. AMERYA 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 KENWORTHYDo 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. AMERYThe 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. WILLIAMSAre we to understand that the same Government which protests against the use of aeroplanes elsewhere justifies the use of air force in Iraq?