Coll 17/37 ‘Iraq. Operations in – 1941. Political control and use of services of Mr Bertram Thomas.’ [‎7r] (14/191)

unfriendly influences* Pr6pagenda, both overt and covert;
is another obvious and important line and Political
Advisers should keep in close touch with Mr. Perowne
and Mr. Bishop. Bribery is a third course. Political
Advisers must use their own judgment in classifying
those who are friendly, those who might be persuaded by
one means or another to become friendly and those who
are irrecoverable. I imagine that the second class is
a very large one and that many can be converted.
The above is an outline of the political duties of
the Political Advisory Staff. Different districts will
present varied problems and will have to be dealt with
accordingly. Political Advisers must use their discretions.
Such problems as the Army, the schools (especially in
Bagdad) and Bagdad itself which is the centre from which
the Axis propaganda has radiated are being given special
attention and the question of propaganda (both overt and
covert) is in the hands of the Public Relations Department
of the Embassy. The political Advisory Staff is thus
a part - and a most important part - of the organisation
which has been set up to fight enemy influence.
6. Reports
Prom the above it will be seen that the duties of
Political Advisers do not clash in any way with_those
of intelligence officers employed by C.I.C.I. Political
Advisers will nevertheless collect a great deal of very
useful intelligence and it will be reliable intelligence
because it will be volunteered by reliable persons.
They should therefore
1) Submit a short weekly report which should
include a brief appreciation of the political situation
in the area. A copy should be sent to C.I.C.I.
and Mr. Edmonds.
2) Telegraph to me when necessary any important
news.
3) Supply on request any special information
which may be required by C.I.C.I., Mr. Edmonds or
myself.
7. Special Reports
Political Advisers should report to me weekly by
D.O. letter on the progress of the anti-German campaign.