مجموعة ٣٠/١١٤ "تقارير إجراءات السُفُن البريطانية." [و‎‎١‎٢‎٣] (١٢٠٣/٢٤٥)

PJSR3IAN GULF INTELLIGENCE REPORT- MARCH, 1938. 3.N.O., P.G’s
fio, 78/622 of 18th April. 1938.
IRAQ .
H.M. King Ghazi paid a visit to Basrah during March
and on the 25th performed the opening ceremony of the Liargil
Air port. (Senior Naval Officer, Persian Bulf)
2. ^iolomatic representation in Europe. The proposals for
the reorganisation of Iraqi’s diplomatic representation in
certain European Countries laade by the Foreign Minister,
Towfig as Smwaidi, on his return from Geneva last October are
now to be carried into effect. The Office of the permanent
Representative of the leagie of Nations has already been
abolished. The Legations in London and Paris are being
combined under the Minister in London and the Iraqui Legation
in Berlin will shortly come under the control of the Minister
in Rome. It is hoped that these innovations will effect
oonsiuerable economy, bit the practicability of such a scheme
still remains to be seen. It is interesting to note moreover
that in making these amalgamations Iraq has achieved a nicety
of balance between Fascism and democracy.
(R.A.F. Intelligence Summary).
4. Army The fourteen Italian tanks bought by the Iraq
army have now all been rendered serviceable and five of these
recently carried out a demonstration on easy ground. The
tanks which were well driven, operated satisfactorily but
have several technical faults:-
( 3 )
(4)
The tracks are very narrow.
Accommodation is exceedingly cramped, there being
practically no head clearance.
The guns e^ect their empty cases over the driver
who is inadequately screened.
The guns have only a 10° traverse. Owing to (4)
and the difficulty of obtainirg Italian ammunition
it is hoped to replace them by Bren guns with modified
mountings which will increase the traverse to 40°.
(R.A.F. Intelligence Summary)
Anti Aircraft Guns. It recently came to light that
the Iraq Army have purchased a number of anti Aircraft Guns
from Germany. These purchases were made during Bekr Sidqui's
regime and without reference to the British Government. The
military Authorities state that the guns purchased number
eighteen and that they are to be mounted on motor lorries.
(R*A.F. Intelligence Summary)
6. Air Force. Reference to paragraph 3 of the January
Persian Gulf Intelligence Report. The remaining nine Gloster
Gladiators have now arrived. This brings No. 4 (F), Squadron
up to its establishment of 15 aircraft.
(R.A.F. Intelligence Summary)
7. Middle Euphrates . It is reported that the tribesmen in
the Middle Euphrates are in readiness for revolt and that
strong anti-Government sentiments are beihg freely expressed
on all sides. They have a fantastic belief at the moment
that Ibn Saud is coming in person to lead them against the
Iraquis. It is also reported that a considerable amount of
smuggled arms are Reaching them through the southern desert
and possibly through Kuwait.
(R.A.F. Intelligence Summary).
W—Will ——