Security Agreement Déjà Vu

[seemslikeadream]

http://baghdadbureau.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/security-agreement-deja-vu/?hp






In a treaty signed on Oct. 10, 1922, Britain agreed to prepare the country for independence. But the treaty postponed discussion of exactly how this would happen, and effectively prolonged Britain’s mandate under another form for at least 20 years (a period later reduced).

Oct. 12, 1922 –THE NEW YORK TIMES


“In official circles in London the treaty is regarded as the first
important step for securing complete self-government for Irak.”


Revised treaties were to follow later in the 1920s, including one in 1927 which said Iraq would become independent by 1932. But it was never ratified, and left open the question of military relations between the two countries.

Jan. 22 1929 - THE NEW YORK TIMES


“The Iraq Government refuses to accept the British proposals that a British force should remain in Iraq for a further unspecified period.”


The issue was revisited in June 30, 1930, when a new treaty of alliance was signed by the Iraqi government and the British High Commissioner in Baghdad, to run for 25 years. This left Iraq in charge of its internal affairs, but stipulated that Britain would supervise its foreign relations. Britain’s desire to retain long term military bases featured prominently in the discussions.

July 6, 1930 –THE NEW YORK TIMES
‘Iraq’s Freedom Now in Sight’


“Iraq shall lease to Britain three air bases to the west of the Euphrates and Shatt al-Arab …..Britain has too much to lose to permit any violent change to take place in the Arabian status quo. But it remains to be seen if, out of Iraq, she can prevent it.”


Feb. 8, 1931 –THE NEW YORK TIMES


“Kurds, Assyrians and Others Want the Protection of a Western Power….
…The treaty concluded between the British Government and Iraq, which has been confirmed by the Iraqian House of Deputies despite the opposition of a large number of Nationalist members, is still a cause of controversy here.”

Iraq finally gained independence in 1932 but maintained an uneasy relationship with its colonial power. In January 1948, Saleh Jaber, the first Shiite prime minister, tried to revise the 1930 treaty with Britain to be more favorable to Iraq.

Jan. 16, 1948–THE NEW YORK TIMES



“Britain signed a twenty-year treaty with Iraq today that in effect guarantees the protection of that country… British and Iraqi armed forces will be interconnected in many ways. Britain will, for instance, under this treaty continue to sell arms to Iraq as heretofore.”

But the resulting treaty was again rejected, amid violent street demonstrations in which protesters said it did not go far enough to satisfy nationalist ambitions. Facing Sunni opposition and political
intrigue, Jaber was forced to resign.

Jan. 21. 1948 –THE NEW YORK TIMES


“The United States Information Offices were stoned…efforts of rioters to reach the British Embassy were halted by the police.”