مجموعة ١٧ / ١٠ (٤) "شؤون داخلية: الوضع السياسي؛ العلاقات مع الحكومة البريطانية" [و‎‎٤‎١‎٥] (١٠٣١/٨٢٩)

©
INDIA DIRECT
DISTRIBUTION B.
FROM IRAQ.
[Cypher].
FRO M BAGDAD TO FOREIGN OFFICE.
Sir K. Cornwallis.
No. 369.
D.
7.30 p.m.
21st April,
mi.
21st April, 19A1e
R.
5.45 a.m.
22nd April,
mi.
Repeated to Cairo No. 177.
Jerusalem No.
100.
Kahhaniya No. 72.
Angora No. 125.
Delhi No. 107.
0.0.C. Basra No.2.
Tehran No. 33 Saving.
vvvvvvv
MEDIATE .
MVo ; . As hackground to my telegram No. 368. I hope it is
' realized that this country has heen thoroughly prepared for
fifth column action. Danger of early flare-up by Germany is
a real one and at present our friends are not in a position to
i resist it except with our help from Basra. The Government
and the Army have gained a temporary stronghold and carried
[? intimidation] to a fine art. Our well wishers have in
consequence paid lip service to Rashid Ali. They seem completely
disorganized and have been too frightened to come and see me.
This complex must be removed and it can only be removed quickly
I in a more normal atmosphere. I must have a quiet period during
I which I can get in social touch with old friends and during
! which inevitable opposition to Rashid Ali will have a chance to
grow.
2. For that reason I attach particular importance to
immediate entry into informal relations with the Government.
It will not affect our prestige to any extent and is generally
expected. I do not recommend de jure recognition now, our
policy, until the t? situation] again changes, should be I
submit to keep Rashid Ali in play and at the same time be careful
to do nothing which can be twisted into a threat against their
sacred independence.
3. [?Here the] broadcast about landing troops has had
exactly the effect which I hoped for. It has weakened Rashid
Ali's position and while giving cause for compliant [sic:?compiLajnt]
I hope will sow distrust in the minds of the extremists and the
Axis. The more we dwell on his friendliness the more the people
will be non-plussed and if by some freakish chance he is [grp.
undec.] it will still be the right policy.
1. I regard this as a temporary phase but it is an important
one. Ue have only won the first round by the safe landing of
troops. Very shortly I think we must come to a [3 grps.undec.]
seek [grp.undec.] with Rashid Ali [2 grps.undec.J postpone the
clash as long as possible. I will give him nothing but fair words.
, It is difficult to appreciate the situation here from afar and I
beg that I be given wide discretion to act as I think best on the
| above lines.
[Note by Communications Department: received very corrupt].