Coll 17/10(3) 'Internal: political situation; relations with HMG' [‎194v] (388/513)

probably go to Syria, where his presence would be no less
dangerous to us if his political activities against us were -
uncontrolled. On the whole, it would appear that we
should have to press for him to be handed over to us, and that
we in return should have to give Iraqi Government some
guarantees regarding his treatment*
if. I realise that no Iraqi Government is likely to
agree to this^ solution in present circumstances. The way
will have to be carefully prepared. Plan of campaign might
be more or less as follows. First, whispering campaign in
Arab countries tnat the Mufti is in Italian pay and is acting
as an Italian_ secret service agent. Later, an ‘'unconfirmed
report", origin of which might be attributed to one of Mufti’s
supporters disgusted with his acceptance of Italian offers, rniwlxt
be telegraphed to London press and given wide publicity in
Arab broadcasts and by other means. Parliamentary question might
be answered by stating that His Majesty’s Government are making
he necessary enquiries, and this reply might also receive wide
publicity,.
5. . Action taken in.Iraq might be supplemented by further
action m Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Egyptian Government might
be.told that we have reliable information that the Mufti has been
M-ibed by the Italians to start revolt in Palestine, to draw off
troops and weaken defence of Egypt; Egyptian Government might
be asked to address urgent representations to the Iraqi
Government.demanding immediate action to stop these activities.
Ibn Saud might be told that, in return for bribes frofti the
Italians, the Mufti is encouraging them to extend air action
against Palestine and has promised to stage a revolt of the
Arabs to assist Italian planes for dominating the Middle East*
6 c I recognise desirability of ridding Iraq of Mufti’s
Palestinian supporters, as recommended in your telegram No. 660.
I understand that.these people, with the exception of Jamal
Husseini and possibly a small number of others, are not excluded
rom Palestine by the Palestine Government, and are at liberty to
return whenever they wish. Many Palestinian emigres have in fact
already returned. Others however are afraid that if they return
they will at once^be charged with, and perhaps convicted'of,
some murder or other crime committed during the disturbances. The
Palestine Government Have however shown themselves willing to
encourage the return of innocent persons. They have been^ready
to state, whenever approached by individual emigres, ’whether or
not there were outstanding charges against them. Further
reassuring factors are that persons accused of offences committed
Delore the restoration to civil courts of their powers will
nevertheiess be tried in the civil, and not the military, courts;
ana that the lauter.courts are no longer able to impose the
eath penalty. If in these circumstances emigres are still
reluctant to return, it must largely be because they know themselves
guilty of some crime which may ultimately be brought home to them.