مجموعة ٣٠/١١٤ "تقارير إجراءات السُفُن البريطانية." [و‎‎٢‎٧‎٢] (١٢٠٣/٥٤٣)

Ill
English fluently. He h a a diffident maimer and appears to
lack self-assurance, but it ia understood that he has of late
improved greatly in this respect,
19* A dinner party was given by the Ambassador on
20th October for the purpose of introducing the Commander-in-
Chief to the three moot prominent members of the Cabinet, the
Prime Minister, General Yasin al Hashirai, the Minister for
Foreign Affairs, General Wuri al 3aid, G,C,V.O., C.M.G., and
the Minister for Defence, General Jafar al ASkari, G.C.V,0. # .
The Minister of Defence is the only official, one knows, who
has received decorations from both sides during one war, viz.,
Iron Cross, Turkish Cross, Legion d’honneur and Distinguished
Service Order. The Air Officer Commanding, Iraq, Air Vice-
Marshal Vf.O.S. Mitchell, C.B., C.B.K., D.3.O., M.C., A.F.C.,
was also present.
20* Since that evening, information has been received
from the Press and confirmed by the Ambassador that,
following a military coup d'etat, the old cabinet has
resigned. The Minister for Defence, a prominent Anglophile,
was shot, and it is understood that the other two Ministers,
also Anglophiles, have been exiled. The cause of the
army's nccion is said to be dissatisfaction with the way the
Government handled the crisis in the middle Euphrates.
21. The Commander-in-Chief and his Personal Staff
returned to Basrah on 24th October and called on His Majesty
King Ghasl, who was staying at Basrah prior to a trip down
river in the yacht of the Director of the Port Trust.
22. His Majesty visited NORFOLK on Sunday, £5th
October, and was shown round the Upper Deck. He did not
appear to be much interested in v/hat he saw, but was genuinely
pleased at being invited on board.
ABADAN.
23. NORFOLK left Basrah at 0930, 28th October and
arrived at Abadan at 1230. On passage ship was slowed down
above Khorramshahr and a 21 gun salute fired to Iran. The
salute was returned, and was followed by M 0od save the King"
played by a Military Band which had been specially imported
for the occasion and which had been practising assiduously
for a week. The result was entirely recognisable. The
Flag of the Comnander-in-Chief was then saluted and the salute
re turned.
24. Calls were exchanged with the Governors of Abadan
and Khorramshahr, and the Iranian Naval Authorities. The
latter showed much hospitality and friendliness during the
visit, and it is hoped that some good nay follow the personal
contact. The hospitality of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company
is proverbial, and many games were played with the Staff.
25. A dinner an dance was given on board NORFOLK, and
the ship's concert party, a talented combination aided by an
exceptional ship's band, gave an excellent performance ashore,
which was greatly appreciated by the large British Community. 26 27
26. NORFOLK was open to visitors on one afternoon and
was visited by large numbers of both the British and Iranian
employees of the Company.
BUSHIRK.
27. NORFOLK left Abadan at 0900, 1st November, and
/arrived