§ 1. Mr. Wedgwoodasked the Secretary of State for War whether the army of Rashid Ali, in Iraq, has been allowed to retain its arms?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Captain Margesson)Under the armistice terms the Iraqi Army was permitted to retain its arms and equipment.
§ Mr. WedgwoodIs not this taken as an act of weakness on our part by the natives of Iraq, and, far from fighting against the Germans, will not the presence of these 2 troops on our lines of communication require a considerable number of troops that might otherwise be assisting the Russians?
§ Captain MargessonThe answer to the first question is, in my view, "No, Sir," and to the second question, that it is really a matter of opinion.
§ Mr. WedgwoodIs it not carrying appeasement too far to allow these people who are a danger to retain their arms?
§ Captain MargessonThat is not the view which is taken.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs care being exercised to see that the arms will. not be used against us?
§ Captain MargessonYes, Sir.