'File 2/15 Iraq coup d'etat and political situation in Iraq' [‎154v] (306/414)

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It was the duty ot Iraq to stand by the side of her Aliy Great
Britain and her Allies ever since the declaration of this war. But she
was unable to do so as she was engaged in fighting Axis intrigues in her
own country.
the most obvious proof of the wicked intentions of those powers
towards Iraqis what they have don- and are still doing m spreading
false rumours about this country and intriguing against her, and by the
continuous attacks directed by their broadcasting stations against the
noble House of Hashim and by abusing every person who may be legiti
mately ... power in Iraq. By all this they hope to persuade Iraq to dis
avow her legal pledges contained in the Anglo - Iraqi I teat} of Alliance_
The Axis Powers act in this way when they themselves only
recognized - our existence and independence through and as a result ot
this Treaty of Alliance.
The wicked intentions of the Axis were most evident dining
the disgraceful rebellion ol May. 1941 which they not only organized
and financed but also supported openly and actively Moreover the Axis
Powers did their utmost to provide arms and funds to the leaders o
that rebellion in order to encourage it and aggravate the damage d had
already done which indeed almost destroyed the country and imperilled
its verv existence.
Axis officials revealed only too clearly the real interest of their
Governments in the affairs of Iraq when they arrived in this eountry du
ring that notorious rebellion. The first thing they did was to loot what
ever produce or goods they could lay their hands on, and they sent large
quantities to their countries.
The Axis Powers are not content with the loss and damage they
have occasioned to life and property in Iraq. They are now harbouring a
number of the leaders of that rebellion and their followers who escaped
from justice. These treacherous persons are being forced by the Axis to
engage in propaganda against Iraq in order to obtain the very means of
subsistence.
All these activities are positively hostile in character. All the
evidence indicates that such acts are only a cloak covering preparations
for armed hostile action which the Axis will not hesitate to direct
against Iraq whenever an opportunity occurs. .
What the Axis have done to Iraq they also did and are still do
ing to all Arab countries whom they aim at enslaving as everybody well
knows.
8. It is obvious from the above that the Axis Powers have been
aiming at the destruction of Iraq as a state, and that for years thev have
exerted unceasing efforts to achieve this. Ever since the outbreak of war
they have been openly hostile in their attitude towards this country and
have actually most dangerously threatened its existence. Had it not been
for the mercy of God, Iraq would have now been subjected to all the
ooting, persecution and bondage which are being endured by the coun
tries who have passed under the Axis yoke.