Memos, Documents between Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and British Government Regarding Iraq-Iran Border
View interactive document pageThese are memos and documents from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the British government. Included are documents concerning negotiations and agreements with Iran concerning the transfer of civilians living in the Iraq-Iran border areas.
Mutasarrifate of Kut Liwa Bureau of Correspondence 66 Number: S / 215 Date: 6 / 7 / 1931 To :: Ministry of Interior Subject :: Agreement regarding the transfer of residents of the Iraqi-Iranian border area ( Secret ) ⟦line⟧ In response to your memorandum No. 1982 dated 6 / 7 / 1931 We have previously replied to you in our letter No. S / 204 dated 6 / 7 / 1931 ⟦line⟧ ⟦signature⟧ Mutasarrif of Kut Liwa A . F
65 61/6/15 56/ Mutasarrifate of Kut Liwa: Editing Bureau: Number: S / 404 Date: 6 / 7 / 1931 ⟦illegible⟧ 4787 11-7-31 56 To - Ministry of Interior ( Secret ) 18 In response to your letter numbered S / 1670 and dated 6 / 6 / 1931. Upon auditing the agreement, a copy of which was sent enclosed with your aforementioned letter, we noted that it is sufficient to secure the intended purpose; ⟦signature⟧ Mutasarrif of Kut Liwa M. The lawsuit was formed S. S. Has the response from the ⟦illegible⟧ city administration arrived? It has not responded yet ⟦illegible⟧ Add: Please send confirmation Ibrahim regarding health 27 A
Iraqi Government Ministry of Interior 64 Secret and Urgent ⟦line⟧ Reminder ⟦line⟧ Number: 1982 Baghdad: On: 5 / 7 / 1921 To: Governorate of Kut Liwa We request a prompt reply to this Ministry's letter numbered S / 1670 And dated June 6 / 1921 Regarding the subject explained in the margin. Subject The agreement related to the transfer of residents of the Iraqi - Iranian border area On behalf of the Minister of Interior SGPS...109...340...2,000...8 5 29
63 Mutasarrifate of Basra Liwa Editing Department Number S / 287 Date 1 July / 1931 Secret and Urgent 61/6/19 ⟦illegible⟧ 4607 2.7.31 61/6/19 Ministry of Interior Subject - Movement of residents of the Iraqi-Iranian border area 18 Reference to your letter No. 1670 dated June 6, 1931, regarding the subject in the margin. 1- If we exclude the Mohammerah-Fao area, we find that the Iraqi government has no outposts within the 25-kilometer zone; the nearest post in Qurna District is at a distance of 20 miles from the border, and what is said about Qurna District applies to the greater part of the Shatt al-Arab sub-district. 2- It is necessary to include special articles for shepherds and their flocks in this agreement, and unless that is done, it will become necessary for the two contracting parties to reach a new agreement regarding border crossing, grazing, and how to settle sheep fees. Lebanon Agreement 3- We suggest adding a text to Article (2) for those working in river transport that travel in the Shatt al-Arab and which may enter Iranian and Iraqi waters alternately. 4- We suggest adding a condition stating that no action taken in accordance with the provisions of the agreement or any passport granted shall affect any agreement concluded between the two governments regarding "extradition of criminals." ⟦signature⟧ Acting Mutasarrif of Basra Liwa A
Mutasarrifate of Amara Liwa Editorial Office Number S / 711 Date June 25, 1931 Subject - Movement of residents of the Iraqi-Iranian border area MINISTRY OF ⟦illegible⟧ CONFIDENTIAL SECTION Inward No 4481 Date 29-6-31 File No 61/6/19 Pend Secret To Ministry of Interior In response to your secret letter No. 1670 dated June 6, 1931 We have reviewed the draft agreement proposed to be concluded with the Iranian government regarding the movement of residents of the border areas, and we have the following observations to make: - 1 - Article 2 allowed a person belonging to one of the two countries to cross the adjacent borders to consult local officials regarding employment in agriculture and other professions, along with the pursuit of criminals and the recovery of stolen property for a distance of (25) kilometers from the border. Since granting the freedom of direct consultation to persons from whom property was stolen to the government officials of the state to which the criminal belongs without informing the officials of the state to which the victim belongs has administrative risks, I see the necessity of limiting consultation in such cases to local border officials regarding crimes committed against individuals belonging to their government, so that they may communicate with the officials belonging to the other party. While allowing the applicants to consult border officials after the news has reached them through the followed methods. 2 - It was stated in Article 5 that designating the places from which crossing is permitted does not affect the determination of the borders of the two kingdoms. Since this causes back-and-forth between the officials of the two governments when crimes occur in those areas, leading to each party claiming that those lands belong to the second party, I see it in the interest of security and discipline to mark the borders definitively when designating the places from which crossing is permitted. 3 - Article 6 prohibited the carrying of weapons within the borders of the second party. Since persons who work in agricultural matters and livestock breeding within the borders of the lands of one of the parties for a long period, the presence of weapons with them to protect their property is necessary. Therefore, I see allowing these persons to carry weapons with a license granted by the government in whose lands they are, in accordance with the laws in force there. 4 - Article 7 specified that those working in agriculture should not move more than (10) kilometers from the border, while Article 3 of the agreement allowed persons working in other professions to move a distance of (25) kilometers. Since the distinction between those working in the two professions causes confusion and disorder, I see the necessity of unifying the distance and making it the same for both parties. 5 - I see the necessity of adding another paragraph to what was stated in Article 9 of the <del>Agreement</del> Agreement by preventing civilian persons who owe the government and landowners agricultural advances from crossing the border and not endorsing their passports if any consultation occurs by officials of one of the two countries - This is the first time we have a pass
p - 2 contracting parties, and for the return of those who were residing in the territories of one of the two High Parties upon a request from their respective government to look into the cases formed against them - except for political criminals - as restricting the return of accused persons to criminal matters leads to the escape of debtors to the borders to avoid paying the debts they owe. 6 - It was stated in paragraph (b) of Article (15) thereof to deport persons whose stay has been prolonged in the territories of one of the two parties more than what is authorized for them in their passports. Since most of those who roam the borders are from the tribes and simple village people who are unable to determine the period during which they must stay to complete their business, the matter of deporting them from the area in which they are located may be harmful to their interests in the event that their business is not completed. Therefore, I see the necessity of adding a special paragraph that helps to <del>which</del> allow such people to stay for another period provided that they consult the competent authorities to determine the duration of their stay. 7 - Since the agreement did not discuss the methods to be followed by the police or soldiers belonging to one of the two parties when the need arises for them to enter the territories of one of the two parties in their official uniforms, I see the necessity of making an article stipulating that on the one hand. On the other hand, we did not find a discussion of the treatment to be followed in the matter of counting sheep, the necessity of which is not hidden to communicate about it, for when the counting season arrives and the sheep return from the agricultural lands and pastures belonging to one of the two parties, which causes claims by each of them regarding the right to collect their fees. Accordingly, I see the placement of a special paragraph mandating that the officials of one of the two parties do not interfere with the livestock present in the area belonging to the subjects of the second party upon its return to its original lands, and that each of the two parties provides the necessary assistance to help the second party count them in those lands in the event they remain there during the counting season. As it is not hidden from the Ministry that most of the sheep of the Amarah Liwa enter the borders of Iran in the spring season, the matter of authorizing the Iranian government to collect their fees leads to damaging the Iraqi treasury, which every individual must protect. ⟦signature⟧ Acting Governor of Amarah Liwa Sharah ⟦signature⟧
Mutasarrifate of Erbil Liwa Number 2266 / 1 Erbil on 23 / 6 / 1931 Editing Department Papers Date 12605 27 / 6 / 931 6/6/19? To the Ministry of Interior Subject ⟦line⟧ The agreement regarding the transfer of the inhabitants of the Iraqi ⟦line⟧ Iranian border area Fahmi Reference to your letter numbered S/ 1818 and dated 21 / 6 / 1931 " Please note our letter numbered 95 / S and dated 19 / 6 / 21 where we answered Your Excellency regarding this issue. ⟦signature⟧ Mutasarrif of Erbil Liwa File M. Sh. S 27 / 7
Iraqi Government Ministry of Interior Secret and Urgent ⟦line⟧ Reminder ⟦line⟧ Number: B 1880, Kut 1881, Amarah 1882 Baghdad: On: 25 / 6 / 21 To: Governorate of Basra - Amarah - Kut We request a prompt reply to this Ministry's letter No. K / 1670 Dated June 6, 1921 Regarding the subject explained in the margin. Subject The agreement related to the transfer of residents of the Iraqi-Iranian border area ⟦signature⟧ For the Minister of Interior SGPS...109...340...2,000...8 5 29
56 Office of the Administrative Inspector for the Liwas of Diyala and Kut Number 199 Baghdad 24 June 1931 MINISTRY OF INTERIOR CONFIDENTIAL SECTION Inward No. 4409 Date 25/6/31 File No. 6/6/19 6/6/19 Advisor to the Ministry of Interior 17 With reference to your circular dated 4 June 1931 and numbered 1663 I state my following observations regarding the agreement related to the movement of village residents as per your request. Article (1) Approved Article (2) Likewise Article (3) Likewise Article (4) Likewise Article (5) Likewise Article (6) Since some of the residents living near the borders may cross the borders and return to their place of residence on the same day depending on the proximity of their intended work locations within the borders of the other contracting state, and since requiring these individuals to report every time to the border official for the purpose of obtaining a visa would cause them to be late for work, in addition to the hardships of travel without benefit, I therefore see the necessity of exempting these individuals and accepting a one-time visa while granting permission for this allowance to facilitate stakeholders in conducting their daily affairs and business. Article (7) Approved Article (8) Paragraph (c) I see that it is not appropriate to allow the victim and his family to cross the borders to pursue criminals directly, to avoid the occurrence of undesirable consequences between the two parties during this pursuit due to being saturated ⟦...⟧ with the spirit of revenge at such a time, and I see that the request for this pursuit should be through the competent authorities. Article (9) Approved Article (10) Likewise Article (11) Likewise Article (12) Likewise Article (13) Likewise Article (14) Likewise Article (15) Likewise Article (16) I see it sufficient to issue a new passport to whoever is verified to have lost his passport, as limiting the renewal of the permit
2 22 until after the investigation, which causes harm to the applicant as a result of the delay due to the completion of the investigation. Article (17) Approved ⟦line⟧ ⟦illegible⟧ Administrative Inspector for the Kut and Diyala Districts
56 Office of the Administrative Inspector for the Provinces of Diyala and Kut Number 199 Baghdad, 24 June 1931 Advisor to the Ministry of Interior With reference to your circular dated 4 June 1931 and numbered 1663 I state my following observations regarding the agreement related to the movement of village residents as per your request. Article (1) Approved Article 2 Likewise Article (3) Likewise Article (4) Likewise Article (5) Likewise Article (6) Since some of the residents living near the borders may cross the borders and return to their place of residence on the same day depending on the proximity of their intended work locations within the borders of the other contracting state, and since requiring these individuals to report every time to the border official for the purpose of obtaining a visa would cause delays in their work in addition to the hardships of travel without benefit, I therefore see the necessity of exempting these individuals and accepting a one-time visa while granting permission for this allowance to facilitate stakeholders in conducting their daily affairs and business. Article (7) Approved Article (8) Paragraph (c) I see that it is not appropriate to allow the victim and his family to cross the border to pursue criminals directly, to avoid the occurrence of undesirable consequences between the two parties during this pursuit saturated ⟦illegible⟧ with the spirit of revenge in such times, and I see that the request for this pursuit should be through the competent authority. Article (9) Approved Article (10) Likewise Article (11) Likewise Article (12) Likewise Article (13) Likewise Article (14) Likewise Article (15) Likewise Article (16) I see it sufficient to issue a new passport to those whose passport loss is verified, as restricting the renewal of the permit
54 Mutasarrifate of Diyala Liwa Editing Office: Number: 228/S Date: 24 June / 1931 (Subject) Transfer of residents of the Iraqi-Iranian border area MINISTRY OF INTERIOR CONFIDENTIAL SECTION Inward No 4397 Date 24/6/31 27/6/15 (( Confidential Urgent )) 61/6/192 To Ministry of Interior ⟦line⟧ With reference to your letter numbered (S / 1818) and dated 20 / 6 / 1931 We presented the matter in our letter numbered 235 and dated 22 / 6 / 1931 ⟦illegible⟧ Mutasarrif of Diyala Liwa M / S
53 Mutasarrifate of Erbil Liwa Correspondence Department Number: 95 / S Erbil on: 19 / 6 / 1931 ⟦illegible⟧ OF INT⟦illegible⟧ ⟦illegible⟧TIAL SEC 4387 23/6/31 61/6/19 To the Ministry of Interior in Baghdad Secret Subject - Movement of the Iraqi-Iranian border inhabitants ⟦line⟧ With reference to your letter numbered S/ 1670 and dated 6 June / 1931 I have nothing to express regarding what this agreement contained, which includes important facilities; except for the issue of nomadic tribes which naturally do not benefit from this agreement. Therefore, I see it as important that those tribes be mentioned in it, such as the Herki, Khailani, Surji ⟦Wizariyah⟧, Boli, and Baboli etc.. It is also necessary that the tribes have weapons, provided that their number is limited to the minimum possible and that licenses be given for them to persons known for good conduct, and that a list of names be given - of those who were granted a license to carry weapons to the other party. Mutasarrif of Erbil Liwa Thank the rest of the Liwas On behalf of ⟦illegible⟧ 22/6
53 Mutasarrifate of Erbil Liwa Editing Department Number: S / 95 Erbil on: 19 / 6 / 1931 To the Ministry of Interior in Baghdad Secret Subject - Movement of the Iraqi-Iranian border inhabitants ⟦line⟧ With reference to your letter numbered S / 1670 and dated June 6, 1931. I have nothing to express regarding what this agreement contained, which includes important facilities; except for the issue of the nomadic tribes who, of course, do not benefit from this agreement. Therefore, I see it as important that those tribes be mentioned in it, such as the Herki, Khailani, and Surji ⟦Lulah⟧, Boli, and Baboli etc.. It is also necessary that the tribes have weapons, provided that their number is limited to the minimum possible and that licenses be given for them to persons known for good conduct, and that a list of names of those granted a license to carry weapons be given to the second party. ⟦signature⟧ Mutasarrif of Erbil Liwa Copy to His Excellency the Advisor of Erbil and Kirkuk In Kirkuk
52 Mutasarrifate of Diyala Liwa Editing Office: Number: 225 / S Date: 22 June / 1931 ( Subject ): Movement of the inhabitants of the Iranian-Iraqi border area (( Secret Urgent )) MINISTRY OF INTERIOR CONFIDENTIAL SECTION Inward No 4384 Date 23/6/31 File No 61/6/19 61/6/19 To Ministry of Interior ⟦line⟧ 123 With reference to your letter numbered (S / 1670) and dated 6 / 6 / 1931. Upon reviewing the copy of the agreement sent with your aforementioned letter and intended to be concluded with the Iranian government, we found it in the interest of both parties and we have no observations or opinions to express regarding it. ⟦signature⟧ Mutasarrif of Diyala Liwa M S
44 Number 1818/S Ministry of Interior of Iraq Date June 20 / 1931 Secret and Urgent Mutasarrifate of Basra Liwa " " Amarah " " Kut " " Diyala " " Erbil Subject - The agreement regarding the transfer of the inhabitants of the Iraqi - Iranian border area. We request a prompt reply to this Ministry's letter No. S/1670 dated June 6, 1931, regarding the aforementioned subject. ⟦signature⟧ Minister of Interior
SGPS...524...990...1,000 Pads...4-9-30. G. F. 12. 43 General Form (12) FROM: From the Mutasarrif of Sulaymaniyah Liwa To: To the Ministry of Interior Place: Baghdad No.: 85/7 Dated: 16 / 6 / 1931 Secret and Urgent MINISTRY OF INTERIOR CONFIDENTIAL SECTION Inward No 4299 Date 18/6/31 File No 61/6 Memorandum. Subject - Movement of the inhabitants of the border area Iraqi - Iranian. With reference to your letter numbered S/1670 and dated 6/6/1931 We present below the articles proposed to be amended and added from the copy of the agreement sent with your letter presented above, however, the matter is for your Excellency. Mutasarrif of Sulaymaniyah Liwa Is the border committee waiting? Yes, and emphasize the remaining ones. Ibrahim Asaf Written ⟦illegible⟧ 1 - The distance mentioned in Articles One and Two shall be increased to (50) kilometers instead of 25 kilometers. 2 - Hunting rifles used for hunting in the border area only are excluded from what was stated in the last paragraph of Article Two. 3 - The following paragraph is added to Article Eight (or for necessary, conclusive reasons whose validity is documented). 4 - The land products mentioned in Article Eleven are exempted from customs if they are specifically for the consumption of the landowner or its farmer according to custom. As far as these coming back are concerned this is a domestic matter
SGPS...524...990...1,000 Pads...4-9-30. G. F. 12. General Form (92) FROM: Mutasarrif of Sulaymaniyah Liwa TO: Ministry of Interior Baghdad: No.: 7/85 Secret and Urgent: Dated: 16 / 6 / 1931 Corresponding to: Memorandum Subject - Relocation of the inhabitants of the Iraqi-Iranian border area. With reference to your letter No. S/1670 dated 6/6/1931 We present below the articles proposed to be amended and added from the draft agreement sent with your above-mentioned letter, however, the matter is for Your Excellency to decide. ⟦signature⟧ Mutasarrif of Sulaymaniyah Liwa 1 - The distance mentioned in Articles 1 and 2 shall be increased to (50) kilometers instead of 25 kilometers. 2 - Hunting rifles used for hunting in the border area only are excluded from what is stated in the last paragraph of Article 2. 3 - The following paragraph is added to Article 8 (or for necessary and compelling reasons whose authenticity is verified). 4 - The land products mentioned in Article 11 are exempted from customs if they are specifically for the consumption of the landowner or the farmer according to custom.
OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE INSPECTOR SULAIMANI. SOUTH KURDISTAN—'IRAQ. CONFIDENTIAL. Office of the Administrative Inspector of Sulaimani South Kurdistan Iraq No.: C/412/46/2. Date.: 16th June 1931. Number: Day: 42 17/6/31 MINISTRY OF INTERIOR CONFIDENTIAL SECTION Inward No. 4287 Date 18/6/31 File No. 61/6 To To: The Adviser, Ministry of Interior, Baghdad. (2 copies). MEMORANDUM. Reference your C/1663 of 4th. June, 1931. I have no comments to offer other than that the proposed arrangement will only become practicable if and when the two Governments concerned extend their administration to the border areas. Until that time it will inevitably remain a pious aspiration. Send reminders to A.Is B⟦...⟧-Amara Doyala - Kur- Done ⟦signature⟧ 17/6 ⟦signature⟧ ADMINISTRATIVE INSPECTOR, SULAIMANI LIWA.
OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE INSPECTOR SULAIMANI. SOUTH KURDISTAN—'IRAQ. Office of the Administrative Inspector of Sulaimani South Kurdistan Iraq CONFIDENTIAL. 42 No.: C/H/2/46/2. Number: Date.: 16th June 1931. Date: To To: The Adviser, Ministry of Interior, Baghdad. (2 copies). MEMORANDUM. Reference your C/1663 of 4th. June, 1931. I have no comments to offer other than that the proposed arrangement will only become practicable if and when the two Governments concerned extend their administration to the border areas. Until that time if will inevitably remain a pious aspiration. ⟦signature⟧ ADMINISTRATIVE INSPECTOR, SULAIMANI LIWA.
245 13 June / 1931 14 / 5 / 1721 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Subject - Movement of the inhabitants of the Iraqi-Iranian border area. With reference to your letter No. 2231 dated 19 May 1931. We have sought the opinion of the competent provincial authorities as well as the Passport Department regarding the matter and we will provide you with our views on it when the answers are received. ⟦signature⟧ Minister of Interior. A. R.
37 Secret and Urgent ⟦line⟧ 13 June / 1931 14 K / 1722 Directorate of General Police (Travel, Residence and Nationality Administration) Subject - Movement of residents of the Iraqi-Iranian border area With reference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs letter No. 2231 dated 19 / 5 / 1931 addressed to this Ministry, a copy of which was sent to you regarding the aforementioned subject, please provide us with the observations of the competent department regarding the draft agreement submitted by the Iranian government as quickly as possible. ⟦signature⟧ On behalf of the Minister of Interior. A. R.
D.S. We might send an interim reply saying we are consulting the Liwas - the passport dept will reply in due course ⟦illegible⟧ 11/6 M. T. Write to the Liwas On his behalf After presentation Write to all the Liwas In light of and organizing what was mentioned To be listed ⟦illegible⟧ 16/6/21 ⟦illegible⟧ 12/6
38 Secret 2221 On May 19, 1931 Ministry of Interior (Two copies) We send you herewith a copy of the letter from the Iranian Legation in Baghdad numbered 650 and dated May 3, 1931, with an Arabic translation of the draft agreement prepared by the Iranian government regarding the movement of residents in the Iraqi-Iranian border area, and we request that you examine it and state your opinion on it at the earliest opportunity. ⟦signature⟧ Minister of Foreign Affairs Copy with attachments to:- Ministry of Justice To kindly provide its opinion on the draft agreement Directorate of General Police (Travel, Residence, and Nationality Administration). ⟦illegible⟧ S