§ Mr. Noel-Baker(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement on recent events in Iraq and on the attacks on British property which have occurred in the last two days.
§ Mr. NuttingYes, Sir. Her Majesty's Ambassador at Bagdad has reported that the disturbances which took place on 22nd and 23rd November arose from a student strike. Further reports are awaited.
The information so far available shows that no British subjects have been killed or injured and that the value of British property damaged is small. Some office furniture and equipment belonging to the British Overseas Airways Corporation was damaged, and some show cases outside the Information Department of the Embassy were broken.
Her Majesty's Ambassador has been instructed to request that the Iraqi authorities will take all necessary measures to safeguard British life and property. Meanwhile, I understand that martial law has been proclaimed in Bagdad.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWhile expressing, I am sure, the gratitude of the whole House at the reassuring nature of most of that answer, and recalling that it was Britain who won freedom for Iraq and the late Mr. Arthur Henderson who took the initiative in ending the League of Nations mandate and giving Iraq full independence, may I ask whether Her Majesty's Government will do everything in their power to ensure that the friendship of the two nations shall not be broken or embittered?
§ Mr. NuttingYes, Sir. I can most certainly give that assurance to the right hon. Gentleman.