§ 9. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will publish the text of the agreement, signed by Sheikh Mahmud, with the Iraq Government; and what is the number of British casualties to the forces engaged in the province of Sulaimani during the last three years?
§ Mr. AMERYI am not in possession of the text of the agreement between Sheikh Mahmud and the Iraq Government, nor am I aware whether that Government proposes that it should be published. As regards the second part of the question, there have been two British casualties during the period in question, namely, one officer killed, one officer slightly wounded. A Royal Air Force officer and airman captured owing to a forced landing were subsequently released.
§ Colonel DAYIn view of the signing of this agreement, is it proposed to reduce the British force in Iraq?
§ Mr. AMERYNo, Sir. I am not aware that the Sheikh Mammud has in the past been responsible for such a substantial diversion of our forces in Iraq as would now involve any large alteration in our programme, which is, anyhow, one of steady reduction of our military force in that country.