§ 2. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Prime Minister whether he has made inquiries to ascertain whether the recent murder of the British consul at Mosul was the result of subversive propaganda by the agents of the Government of another European country?
§ Mr. ButlerI understand that no connection has been established between the individuals arrested and sentenced for Mr. Monck Mason's murder and the agents of any foreign Power. Both the Iraqi Government and His Majesty's Government are, however, watching the question with close concern.
§ Mr. StokesAs I was present in the district at the time this murder took place, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that, following on the regrettable death of King Ghazi, rumours were spread wide in Iraq and places as far distant as Beyrout and Basra, that the death had been caused by the machination of British agents, and that the murder of the Consul at Mosul was the direct result of these propaganda statements, which were in every case attributed to the agents of the German Government?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs it not a fact that the Iraq Government have expelled the agents of a foreign Power who were responsible for spreading these rumours?
§ Mr. ButlerI do not think the matter is quite as stated by the hon. Member. As a result of inquiries made I have given the House the information in our posses- 448 sion, that no connection has been established between the individuals responsible for the murder and the agents of any foreign Power.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that immediately following the death of the King the broadcasting stations of two foreign Powers broadcast statements attributing the fatality to the machinations of British agents?
§ Mr. ButlerI have not actual personal knowledge of that, but if the hon. and gallant Member will put the facts before me I will consult my noble Friend.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherI shall be glad to do so.