مجموعة ١٠/١٧(٣) "شؤون داخلية: الوضع السياسي؛ العلاقات مع الحكومة البريطانية" [و‎‎٢‎٢‎٣] (٥١٣/٤٤٥)

DISTRIBUTION B.
1940
FROM IRA R
Decypher. Sir B. Newton, (Bagdad).
7th November, 1940.
7th November, 1940.
9th November, 1940.
D. 10.00 p.m.
R. 12.28 a.m.
No. 661 .
nnnnnnn
My telegram No. 655.
Following points about Mufti*s position may be of use
in considering action to check his intrigues.
2. He seems to be well supplied with money and through
his direction of committees and similar organisations contain
ing Iraqi, Palestinian and Syrian members he exertedmuch^
influence over all matters of importance to Arab nationalism.
In addition through his 300 Palestinian followers now in Iraq
with whom are joined a number of Syrian extremists he carries
on a formidable and persistent whispering campaign in his own
interests.
3. He is in close touch with Cabinet, especially Taha
Hashimi, and in times of crisis such as that vfnich followed
General Nuri’s resignation last March he seems to be consulted
by most of those concerned.
A. He makes an ostentatious appearance on all public
occasions and is usually given a place in the Cabinet enclosure.
He is also careful to appear frequently at public prayers at
the principal mosques of the capital.
5. My American colleague who has recently returned from
leave in Syria and Palestine is impressed by the stren^n of the
Mufti's position there as well as in Iraq and by the possibility
that he might prove to be a leader who could really unite the
Arabs.
6 . By contrast with the tarnished reputation of Iraqi
politicians the Mufti appears here as one with an unblemished
record of devoted service to the Arab.cause. Moreover by
reputation he combines religious learning with political-
acumen and patriotism and thereby appears to be endowed with
qualities most respected by the /trabs.
7 . It must be expected that action against him will meet
with resistance from his own organisations backed by consider
able popular support.
Repeated to Jerusalem telegram No. 108, Cairo telegram
No. 179 copy to M.E. I.C.