§ Mr. Younger(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the reports of a military revolt in Northern Iraq, what information he has about the security of British families living there.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. John Profumo)There are approximately 850 British subjects living in Northern Iraq. Of these, less than 200 are in the Mosul area. I understand that the majority of the latter are concentrated in the oilfield of the Iraq Petroleum Company some considerable way from the town of Mosul.
Reports have been circulating for some days that the situation in Iraq was deteriorating and that there was reason to fear that trouble might break out, especially in the North. The situation is, clearly, very confused and I would not wish to speculate.
887 The House will have seen reports of the bombing of Colonel Shawwaf's headquarters in Mosul. Reports reaching Bagdad from Mosul, however, indicate that Mosul is quiet and that British lives are not in danger. Nevertheless, standing plans are in existence for the evacuation of British subjects in the shortest possible time, should this become necessary, and these have now been brought to a high state of readiness.
§ Mr. YoungerWhile thanking the Minister for his assurance about the steps being taken on behalf of British nationals, may I ask him whether we can take it from his Answer that this revolt is regarded as being purely an internal matter to be dealt with by Iraq and not calling on this occasion for intervention by Her Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. ProfumoYes, Sir. Certainly.
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