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IJA 2206

Correspondence from the Iraqi Government

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Description

This is correspondence from the Iraqi government about incident reports, security concerns, border protection and disputes with Iran, and (reportedly) stolen sheep in the Sulaymaniyah region of Iraq.

Metadata

Archive Reference
IJA 2206
Item Number
9048
Date
Approx. January 1, 1931 to December 31, 1940
Languages
Arabic
Keywords
Annotation, Arbil, British, Chart, Correspondence, Crown Crest, File Folder, Financial, Handwritten, Ink Stamp, Intelligence, Iran, Iraqi Embassy, Iraqi Government, Law Enforcement, Ledger, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, Office of the Police, State Crest, Sulaymaniyah, Tehran, Telegram, Typed

AI en Translation, Pages 1-25

Page 2

⟦Exclusion⟧
Political Department
1940
Ministry of Interior
- File Number / 61 / 6 / 115
Title | Foreign policy with Iran
Subject | Iranian encroachment on the lands
located in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate

Page 3

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Papers Division
Number 8442
Date 8 / 8 / 1957
Governorate of Sulaymaniyah Province
Editorial Office
Number / 2248
Date 3 / 8 / 1957
⟦red scribbles⟧
To -
Ministry of Interior (3)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (3)
(Ordinary)
Subject / Armed trespass on the Rania area and looting
of sheep
Reference to the correspondence, the last of which was the letter of the Iraqi Embassy in
Tehran No. 251/8/3 dated 26 / 5 / 1957.
We submit herewith three copies of the letter from the District Officer of Rania
No. 1377 dated 9 / 7 / 1957 regarding their views
concerning what was stated in the aforementioned Embassy letter.
For your kind review. Please
Abdul Muttalib Amin
Governor of Sulaymaniyah Province
A copy to -
The Iraqi Embassy in Tehran -
With a copy of the attachment. Reference to its letter mentioned above
For your kind review.
District Office of Rania - Reference to your mentioned letter.
8 / 8
Q. S.
⟦initials/stamp⟧

Page 4

126
Number Q.S / 1662
Date 3 / 6 / 957
4
Secret
Iraq
Ministry of Interior
Baghdad
Secret Intelligence Division
Sulaymaniyah Governorate Administration
Subject: Armed trespass on the Rania
area and looting of sheep
p. 140
Further to our letter numbered Q.S / 98 and dated
8 / 1 / 957.
We refer to our embassy's letter in Tehran numbered 251 / 8 / 3
and dated 26 / 5 / 957, a copy of which was sent to us and to you,
and we request to state if you have any observation regarding the subject.
⟦signature⟧
On behalf of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior

Page 5

145
102
Please review the letter from our embassy in Tehran
attached, referring to the telephone call and the telegram
provided that a letter is written to the Governorate of Sulaymaniyah Liwa to express
observations regarding the Iranian authorities' claim mentioned therein
about the return of all looted sheep to their owners.
⟦Authority⟧
2 / 6
Yes, explain it to him and we request ⟦the answer⟧
as to whether he has any observations.
Q.
2/6

Page 6

The Iraqi Government
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
122
Number / 5230 / 8 / 4 / 28 / 111
Baghdad on 10 / 4 / 1957
Ministry of Interior
Secret Intelligence Division
Number 777
Date 9 / 4 / 957
Department: - Political
Eastern Division
The Iraqi Embassy
Tehran
Subject / Armed trespass on the Rania area
We refer to your memorandum numbered 3 / 9 / 447 and dated
25 / 12 / 1956 and we request to be informed of the outcome of the case
under discussion.
⟦signature⟧
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Amin al-Mumayiz
1- Very much for information
Copy to: - ⟦Tala'at⟧ 4 / 9
Ministry of Interior - referring to its letter numbered Q S / 1034 51 S 1
and dated 28 / 3 / 1957.
⟦To be approved after a suitable period⟧
⟦signature⟧ 4 / 9
Hatim / 7

Page 7

Iraq
Ministry of Interior
Baghdad
Secret Intelligence Division
Secret
⟦131⟧
Number Q.S / 1024
Date 3/28/957
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Subject: Armed trespass on the Rania area
We confirm our letter numbered Q.S / 98 and dated 1/8/957
And we kindly request to be informed of the outcome of the case under discussion.
⟦50⟧
⟦illegible⟧
For the Minister of Interior
H /

Page 8

140
Department Copy
Iraq
Ministry of Interior
Secret Intelligence Division
Baghdad
Secret
Number Q.S. 98
Date 6 / 1 / 1957
8
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Subject: Armed trespass on the Rania area
Reference to our embassy's letter in Tehran numbered 3 / 8 / 447 and dated
on 25 / 12 / 956.
We would like to clarify regarding what was mentioned in the margin of the referred embassy letter
that the date of its letter numbered T / 1 / 585 is 11 / 9 / 955 and not 956
as stated in your letter numbered Sh / 1051 / 1051 / 4 / 39788 and dated
on 6 / 12 / 956, so please kindly clarify this to the mentioned embassy to remove
any inconsistency they may have regarding the incidents and official communications.
22
p. 44
p. 46
⟦cm⟧ / 10
What we have stated in this letter, we intended to correct
what was mentioned in the margin of the Iraqi embassy's letter
in Tehran attached, please
for review - reference to our embassy's letter in Tehran
referred to, a copy of which was sent to you.
<del>Minister of Interior</del>
A copy of it to -
Governorate of Sulaymaniyah Liwa -
H /
⟦illegible⟧ 6 / 1

Page 9

Iraq
Ministry of Interior
Secret Intelligence Division
Baghdad
Secret
Number Q.S / 98
Date 6 / 1 / 1957
8
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Subject - Armed encroachment on the Rania area
Reference to our embassy's letter in Tehran No. 447/8/3 dated
on 25 / 12 / 1956 .
We would like to clarify regarding what was mentioned in the margin of the referred embassy letter
that the date of its letter No. T/585/1 is 11 / 9 / 955 and not 956
as stated in your letter No. Sh/1051/1051/4/39788 dated
on 6 / 12 / 956, so please kindly clarify this to the mentioned embassy to remove
any inconsistency they may have regarding the incidents and official communications.
⟦signature⟧
Minister of Interior
A copy to -
Governorate of Sulaymaniyah Liwa -
For information - reference to our embassy's letter in Tehran
referred to, a copy of which was sent to you.
H /

Page 11

Iraq
Ministry of Interior
Secret Intelligence Division
Baghdad
Secret
Urgent
Number Q.S: 2116
Date: 15 / 11 / 1956
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Subject - Armed trespass on the Rania area
Reference to the correspondence ending with our letter No. Q.S / 2034 dated
15 / 7 / 1956.
Regarding what was stated in your letter No. Sh / 1051 / 1051 / 4 / 13076
dated 9 / 6 / 1956, please note the letter of the Erbil Liwa Governorate No. S / 4
dated 5 / 1 / 1956 referred to in our letter No. Q.S / 230 dated
18 / 1 / 1956 and the letter of the Sulaymaniyah Liwa Governorate No. S / 3343 dated
12 / 11 / 1956 addressed to us, a copy of which was sent to you, as it included the information
you requested regarding the nature of the incident under discussion, its date of occurrence, and its relationship
to the news published in the (Iranian Kayhan) newspaper mentioned in your letter No.
D / 16 / 16 / 600 / 25986 dated 21 / 9 / 1955, and the number of sheep
remaining with the Iranian authorities. It is noted from the letter of the Sulaymaniyah Liwa Governorate
mentioned above that contacts with the Iranian Khaneh Border Commissioner did not result in any
result for the recovery of the looted sheep and there is no hope of returning them through these
contacts. Therefore, please kindly take the necessary action regarding what we requested in our letter No.
Q.S / 230 dated 18 / 1 / 1956 and inform us of the result.
Minister of Interior
A copy to -
Sulaymaniyah Liwa Governorate
20

Page 12

Mutasarrifate of Sulaymaniyah Province
Editorial Office
Number / 2242
Date 11 / 11 / 1956
⟦22⟧
Secret
Ministry of Interior / 3
(Secret Intelligence Division)
Subject / Armed trespass on the Rania area
With reference to your letter numbered Q.S. / 2034 dated 15 / 7 / 1956
We attach herewith a copy of paragraphs (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10)
from the letter of the Rania District Sub-prefecture numbered 2009 dated 6 / 8 / 1956 regarding
the subject, from which the truth of the incident will be clear to you.
In view of the lack of hope in returning the rest of the seized sheep consisting
of (151) heads, which are held by the Iranian authorities in (Khaneh), through
communications and intelligence with the Khaneh Border Commissariat, we request you to kindly approach
the high Iranian authorities and request the return of the aforementioned sheep from them and inform us.
Staff Brigadier
Omar Ali
Acting Mutasarrif of Sulaymaniyah Province
A copy to:-
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (3) copies
With reference to the Ministry of Interior letter mentioned above
We attach herewith a copy of the mentioned paragraphs for your kind perusal
and to take what you deem appropriate.
Rania District Sub-prefecture:-
Further to our letter numbered 3019 dated 14 / 10 / 1956
And with reference to your mentioned letter, please confirm your letter numbered
816 dated 8 / 4 / 1956 addressed to the Khaneh
Border Commissariat and inform us.

Page 13

Governorate of Sulaymaniyah Province
Editorial Office
Number / 2242
Date 11 / 11 / 1956
Secret
Ministry of Interior / 3
(Secret Intelligence Division)
Subject / Armed trespass on the Watma area
With reference to your letter numbered Q.S / 2034 dated 15 / 7 / 1956
We attach herewith a copy of paragraphs (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10)
From the letter of the Rania District Administration numbered 2009 dated 6 / 8 / 1956 regarding
the subject, from which the truth of the incident will be clear to you.
In view of the lack of hope in recovering the rest of the seized sheep consisting
of (151) heads currently held by the Iranian authorities in ( ⟦illegible⟧ )
communications and intelligence with the Khaneh Border Commissariat, we request you to kindly ⟦approach⟧
the high Iranian authorities and request the return of the mentioned sheep from them and inform us.
Staff Brigadier
Omar Ali
Acting Governor of Sulaymaniyah Province
A copy to:-
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (3) copies
With reference to the Ministry of Interior letter mentioned above
We attach herewith a copy of the mentioned paragraphs for your kind review
and to take what you deem appropriate.
Rania District Administration:-
Further to our letter numbered 3019 dated 14 / 10 / 1956
And with reference to your aforementioned letter, we request confirmation of your letter numbered
816 dated 8 / 4 / 1956 addressed to the Khaneh
Border Commissariat and inform us.

Page 14

Copy of the paragraphs quoted from the book of the District Administration of Rania No. 2009 dated
6 / 8 / 1956
( 1 ) That on the date of 2-3 / 8 / 1956, an Iranian detachment consisting of ( 30 ) soldiers stationed
at the Al-Haj Ibrahim post within the Khana Border Commissariat area crossed the Iraqi border after
sunset and seized ( 554 ) heads of sheep belonging to the Iraqis Al-Haj
Abdullah Rasul and the sons of Al-Haj Bayezid in the Iraqi Kumi Kumeh Sur area and led them with their shepherd
both Mulla Ahmed and Rasul Haris to the aforementioned post.
( 2 ) The Iranian Commissar in Khana had admitted during the meeting with the District Governor Mr. Fawzi
Jamil Saeb in the Al-Haj Omran resort on 9 / 8 / 1955 to ( 303 ) heads of sheep
claiming they had crossed the border line with their owners - and the ( 303 ) heads were received and delivered
to their owners in the Al-Haj Omran resort, and the two aforementioned shepherds were released as a result of
the aforementioned meeting.
( 3 ) The aforementioned Commissar had promised to investigate the incident upon his return to ⟦illegible⟧
( 4 ) However, it was confirmed at the time that the total number of usurped sheep was ( 554 ) heads, of which
( 303 ) heads were returned as mentioned in paragraph ( 2 ) above, then ( ⟦100⟧ ) were retrieved later
in two installments from the commander of the Al-Haj Ibrahim post in an unofficial manner in exchange for benefits from
the sheep that still remain with the Iranian authorities in Khana is ( 151 ) heads.
( 6 ) It appeared that the Iranian Commissar did not ⟦any longer⟧ fulfill his promise during the meeting with the District Governor to investigate
the incident and return the remaining sheep to their owners.
( 8 ) In view of the failure of the Khana Border Commissariat to return the remaining sheep, which are ( 51 )
we had addressed the Commissariat in our letter No. 101 dated 11 / 1 / 1956
of which to your office, reminding them of the results of their investigations into the incident and the return of the sheep
and in view of our not receiving any response from them despite the wait, we emphasized the matter to them in
No. 816 dated 8 / 4 / 1956 (a copy of which was submitted to your office), but
from them also any notification of the result until now, and it appears from this that the aforementioned Commissariat
by avoiding the answer aims to draw the curtain over the incident to escape responsibility
and the Iranian authorities remained silent about the incident for fear of exposing the actions of its aggressive employees.
( 9 ) As for what was reported by the newspaper (Iranian Kayhan), the excerpt of which is attached to your aforementioned letter
No. 9057 on 1 / 8 / 1956 regarding the portrayal of the incident in the manner shown therein, it is illusions and does
not correspond with the truth and reality, as there were no transgressions by the Iraqi tribes and no armed clash
with the Iranian border officials.
( 10 ) For the reasons stated above and as we have shown in the monthly border case inspection tables, there is no hope
of returning the remaining sheep through contacts and correspondence with the Khana Border Commissariat. It is necessary
to approach the competent authorities of the Iranian government diplomatically to return the required sheep.
District Governor of Rania

Page 15

Copy of the paragraphs quoted from the book of the Rania District Administration No. 2009 dated
6 / 8 / 1956
(1 That on 2- 8 / 1956, an Iranian detachment consisting of (30) soldiers stationed
at the Al-Hajj Ibrahim post within the Khana Border Commissariat area crossed the Iraqi border after
sunset and seized (554) heads of sheep belonging to the Iraqis Al-Hajj
Abdullah Rasul and the sons of Al-Hajj Bayezid in the Iraqi Kumi Garma Sur area and led them with their shepherds
Mullah Ahmed and Rasul Haris to the aforementioned post.
(2 The Iranian Commissar in Khana had admitted, during the meeting with the District Governor Mr. Fawzi
Jamil Saib in the Hajj Omran resort on 9 / 8 / 1955, to (303) heads of sheep
claiming they had crossed the border line with their owners - and the (303) heads were received and delivered
to their owners in the Hajj Omran resort, and the two aforementioned shepherds were released as a result of
the aforementioned meeting.
(3 The aforementioned Commissar had promised to investigate the incident upon his return to his headquarters at that time.
(4 However, it was confirmed at the time that the total number of usurped sheep was (554) heads, of which -
(303) heads were returned as mentioned in paragraph (2) above, then (100) one hundred heads were later retrieved
in two batches from the commander of the Al-Hajj Ibrahim post in an unofficial manner in exchange for certain benefits. And the number of
sheep still remaining with the Iranian authorities in Khana is (151) heads.
(6 It appeared that the Iranian Commissar did not ⟦fulfill⟧ his promise during the meeting with the District Governor to investigate
the incident and return the remaining sheep to their owners.
(8 In view of the failure of the Khana Border Commissariat to return the remaining sheep, which are (151) heads as mentioned above,
we had addressed the Commissariat in our letter No. 101 dated 11 / 1 / 1956, a copy of which was previously sent
to your office, reminding them of the results of their investigations into the incident and the return of the remaining required sheep.
In view of our not receiving any response from them despite waiting, we emphasized the matter to them in our letter
No. 816 dated 8 / 4 / 1956 (a copy of which was previously sent to your office), but we have not received
any notification of the result from them until now. It appears from this that the aforementioned Commissariat, by ceasing
to respond, aims to draw the curtain over the incident to escape responsibility - just as
the Iranian authorities remained silent about the incident to avoid exposing the actions of their aggressive employees.
(9 As for what was reported by the (Iranian Kayhan) newspaper, the excerpt of which is attached at the bottom of your above-mentioned letter
No. 9057 on 1 / 8 / 1956, regarding the depiction of the incident in the manner shown therein, they are delusions and do not -
correspond with truth and reality, as there were no transgressions by the Iraqi tribes or an armed clash
with the Iranian border officials.
(10 For the reasons stated above and as we indicated in the monthly border case survey tables, there is no hope
of returning the remaining sheep through contacts and correspondence with the Khana Border Commissariat. It is necessary
to approach the competent authorities of the Iranian government diplomatically to return the required sheep.
District Governor of Rania

Page 16

Governorate of Erbil Liwa
Correspondence
121
Number / 14122
Date 7 / 11 / 1956
Ministry of Interior
Records Division
Incoming Number 51081
Date 8 / 11 / 56
Folder Number
To -
Governorate of Sulaymaniyah Liwa
Subject / Armed trespass on the Rania area
With reference to your letter numbered 3019 and dated 14 / 10 / 1956
Addressed to the Ministry of Interior, a copy of which was sent to us.
We are sending you, along with our letter, the file related to the subject numbered (1 - 114) concerning all
border issues belonging to the Rania district. Please acknowledge receipt.
⟦signature⟧
Governor of Erbil Liwa
Abdul Halim ⟦Al-Bawi⟧
A copy to -
Ministry of Interior - your letter 2855 dated 26 / 10 / 956 for information.
Attachments: 1 file
Khudair A / H:
40
10 / 2
⟦signature⟧
11 / 10
⟦signature⟧
10 / 11

Page 17

Department Copy
Iraq
Ministry of Interior
Secret Intelligence Division
Baghdad
Number Q.S /: 2855
Date: 18 / 10 / 956
Secret
Governorate of Erbil Liwa
Subject " - Armed trespass on
Rania area "
Further to our letter numbered 2034 and dated 15 / 7 / 956
We refer to the letter of the Governorate of Sulaymaniyah Liwa numbered 3019
And dated 14 / 10 / 956 addressed to us and a copy to you
And we request to be provided with everything related to the case under discussion and to inform us.
⟦illegible⟧
On behalf of the Minister of Interior
20 / 10
A copy of it to -
Governorate of Sulaymaniyah Liwa
H /

Page 18

Iraq
Ministry of Interior
Secret Intelligence Division
Baghdad
Secret
Number Q.S / 2855
Date 18 / 10 / 956
21
Governorate of Arbil Province
Subject: Armed trespass on
the Rania area
Further to our letter numbered 2034 and dated 15 / 7 / 956
We refer to the letter of the Sulaymaniyah Province Governorate numbered 3019
and dated 14 / 10 / 956 addressed to us, a copy of which was sent to you
and we request that you provide us with everything related to the case under discussion and inform us.
⟦signature⟧
Minister of Interior
2
A copy to -
Governorate of Sulaymaniyah Province
14

Page 21

Sulaymaniyah Liwa Governorate:
Number /: 2019
Boundaries:
Date: 10 / 10 / 1956
To - Ministry of Interior / 3
Subject / Armed trespass on the Rania area
With reference to the letter of the Erbil Liwa Governorate No. 11975 dated
1 / 10 / 1956. All the information we have regarding the subject is the letter of the Rania
District Prefecture No. 2009 dated 6 / 8 / 1956, copies of which are attached herewith
and which were sent to us along with the letter of the Erbil Liwa Governorate No. 9660 dated
14 / 8 / 1956. Please be so kind as to review it.
⟦signature⟧
Staff Colonel
Omar Ali
Acting Governor of Sulaymaniyah Liwa
A copy to -
Erbil Liwa Governorate -
With reference to your aforementioned letter. We did not find a copy of the letter from the Ministry
of Interior No. Q. S / 2034 dated
15 / 7 / 1956 accompanying your letter referred to above.
Please be so kind as to provide us with it and the file related to the subject.
Rania District Prefecture -
In addition to our letter No. 2509 dated 22 / 8 / 1956
For your information.

Page 22

128
Department Copy
Iraq
Ministry of Interior
Secret Intelligence Division
Baghdad
Secret
Governorate of Sulaymaniyah Province
Subject: Armed trespass on the Rania area
We refer to the letter from the Governorate of Erbil Province No. 11975
dated 1/10/1956 addressed to us, a copy of which was sent to you,
and we request a statement on the outcome of the case under discussion.
⟦signature⟧
On behalf of the Minister of Interior
H /

Page 24

Iraq
Ministry of Interior
Secret Intelligence Division
Baghdad
Number Q.S. 2024
Date: 14 / 7 / 1956
15
10
Secret
Governorate of Erbil Liwa
Subject: Armed trespass on the Rania area
Further to our letter No. Q.S. / 1504 dated 28 / 5 / 1956
We enclose herewith a copy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs letter No. D / 16 / 16 / 600 /
25986 dated 21 / 9 / 1955 with a copy of paragraph (C) quoted from the report of
our embassy in Tehran regarding the clash of some Iranian border officials
and Iraqi residents and the arrest of two shepherds and 160 sheep, requesting a statement of
the number of sheep remaining with the Iranian authorities and the final stage reached
by the border commissioners of Khaneh and Rawanduz regarding the incident under discussion.
⟦illegible⟧
Minister of Interior
A copy to -
Ministry of Foreign Affairs -
With reference to its letter No. Sh / 1051 / 1051 / 4 /
19256 dated 11 / 7 / 1956
15 /

Page 25

Copy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs letter No. D / 16 / 16 / 600 / 25986 dated 21 / 9 / 1955
Presidency of the Royal Court
= Diwan of the Council of Ministers
We enclose herewith a copy of our embassy's letter in Tehran No. 2 / 1 / 585 dated
11 / 9 / 1955 regarding Iraq, the Arab countries, and the Iranian newspapers during the month of August /
1955 for your kind review.
Signed / K / Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mohammed Salim Al-Radi
A copy thereof with the attachment to -
Directorate of General Guidance and Broadcasting