HC Deb 14 May 1941 vol 371 cc1190-1
10. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position in Iraq?

Mr. Eden

According to the latest reports from Iraq, the small forces of the R.A.F. stationed at Habbaniya, having successfully beaten off the attack of the Iraqi forces under the orders of Rashid Ali, are now in control of the whole area round the cantonment. Both they and the Imperial forces at Basra are being rapidly reinforced, and vigorous air action is being carried out by the R.A.F. against military objectives throughout Iraq. This will be continued. His Majesty's Government are convinced that the action of Rashid Ali and his supporters in launching an attack upon the loyal ally of their country, is not upheld by the Iraqi people as a whole. His Majesty's Government never have had, and have not now, any intention of threatening the independence of Iraq. Their sole desire has been to safeguard their legitimate treaty rights, which rights it is their intention to maintain.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate that within a measurable distance of time we shall have control of all strategic centres in Iraq?

Mr. Eden

I do not like to anticipate anything in military operations. I prefer to see them realised.

Mr. Price

May we assume that the oil line has not been cut?

Mr. Eden

That is another question.

Mr. Mander

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything about the possible return of the Regent with a truly constitutional Government?

Mr. Eden

That is very much in our mind.