Correspondence from British Government; Disputes about Iraq/Iran Border
View interactive document pageThese documents are from the government of Iraq. Some are from the British occupation of Iraq and include correspondence about police matters including demonstrations around Muslim shrines and anti-Wahhabi political movements and public sentiment. Also included are documents concerning border issues and disputes between Iraq and Iran and include the text from a 1932 temporary agreement between Iraq and Iran.
SGPS...182...322...10,000...15-7-25. G. F. 4. نموذج عام (٤) [Marginalia] (٢٧١) [Marginalia] 1926 COVER FOR DOCUMENTS: اضبارة الاوراق OFFICE OF:—: Ministry of Interior SUBJECT.: Foreign Affairs, Arab Anti-Wahabi Act in Iraq. [Stamp] COFIDENTIAL [Stamp] مكتوم [Marginalia] ادارة No. / عدد: 61/1/7 Opened / فتحت بتاريخ: ٧/١/٢٦ Closed / غلقت بتاريخ: ٢٥ [Marginalia] السري م اشاعات ضد الوهابيين في العراق [Signature] ⟦signature⟧
[Marginalia] 61/1/3 CONFIDENTIAL No. S.B. 935 'I R A Q P O L I C E CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT, Baghdad, 13th August 1927. [Stamp] SECRETARY SECTION: [Stamp] Inward No: 4325 [Stamp] Date: 14/8/27 [Stamp] File No: 61/1/3 To:- The Adviser to the Ministry of Interior, Baghdad. Memorandum Reference your memorandum No. C/2791/61/1/3 dated 9-8-1927, regarding the activities of one SAYYID HUSAIN AL DABBAGH, I have had similar reports from the Commandant of Police, Karbala. Enquiries show that he is SAYYID HUSAIN IBN SAYYID ABDULLAH AL DABBAGH and is a native of Mecca. He is a very strong pro-Hashimite and was a member of the party "HIZB AL AHRAR". When ex-King Ali left Hijaz, SAYYID HUSAIN took up his residence in Yemen. He arrived in Baghdad in June 1927 and first of all was a guest of King Ali but later on moved to the house of his brother SAYYID SALIH AL DABBAGH who lives in Mahallah Tob, Baghdad. He is stated to intend to return to Yemen via India. [Signature] ⟦illegible⟧ [Signature] Deputy Inspector-General of Police, [Signature] C.I.D. and Railway Police. Copy to:- The Secretary to H.E. the High Commissioner, reference the above quoted memorandum. [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 14/8 [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 14/8. [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 15/8 [Marginalia] ✓ [Marginalia] P 20
[Stamp] 71 [Stamp] 4277 [Stamp] 11/8/27 [Stamp] 61/1/3 [Stamp] ⟦illegible⟧ COMMISSIONER ⟦illegible⟧ D.O. No. S.O. 1698 Secretariat of H.E. the High Commissioner for 'Iraq, Baghdad, dated 10th August, 1927. My dear Edmonds 120 His Excellency observes, from Ditchburn's memorandum No. C/2791 dated the 9th of August, 1927, that Glubb is stated to be a member of an anti Wahabi Society in the Yemen. He hopes that there is no foundation for this statement. [Signature] Yours sincerely [Signature] ⟦signature⟧ C. J. Edmonds, Esq., O.B.E., Ag. Adviser to the Ministry of Interior, Baghdad. [Marginalia] Adv. [Marginalia] PA [Marginalia] ⟦initials⟧ [Marginalia] 11/8. M. I. 10. [Marginalia] Adv. [Marginalia] I'm sorry - this is hasty drafting [Marginalia] ⟦initials⟧ [Marginalia] 11/8 [Marginalia] Take! File [Marginalia] ⟦initials⟧ 13/8
[Marginalia] 70 CONFIDENTIAL. No. C/ ⟦2791⟧. 61/1/3. Ministry of the Interior, Baghdad, the 8th August, 1927. ⟦9⟧ To The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, (C.I.D)., Baghdad. MEMORANDUM. I forward for information and enquiry into the activities of the individual mentioned in the attached secret memorandum from Adminis- trative Inspector, Diwaniya, who is stated to be a member of an anti Wahabi Society in the Yemen. [Signature] ⟦illegible⟧ [Signature] for ACTING ADVISER, [Signature] MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR. Copy with enclosure to:- The Secretary to His Excellency, the High Commissioner for 'Iraq, Baghdad. N.S.
D.I.G. C.I.D. I forward for information regarding the the activities of the individual <del>⟦illegible⟧</del> mentioned in the attached secret memo from N.I. ⟦Dwarig⟧ ⟦...⟧, who is stated to be a member of an anti-Wahhabi Society in the Yemen. [Signature] for ⟦Pol⟧ ⟦...⟧ [Signature] ⟦...⟧ Copy with enclosure Secty I.H.C. [Marginalia] ⟦Acw⟧ [Marginalia] ⟦...⟧ 2.8 [Marginalia] ⟦...⟧ 2/8
SECRET. No. S/ 144 [Marginalia] 69 Office of the Administrative Inspector, Diwaniyah dated the 2nd August, 1927. [Marginalia] 3 [Marginalia] 61/1/3 [Stamp] MINISTRY OF INTERIOR: [Stamp] CONFIDENTIAL SECTION: [Stamp] Inward No: 4691 [Stamp] Date: 7-8-27 [Stamp] File No: 61/1/3 To The Adviser, Ministry of Interior, Baghdad. MEMORANDUM: SUBJECT: ANTI-AKHWAN FEELING IN NAJF & KERBELA. It is reported that an individual by the name of Saiyid Hussein Dabbagh, a native of the Hijaz, has recently been visiting Najf and Kerbela. He stated that he was a member of an Anti-Wahabi Society in the Yemen. He visited the Ulama and local notables, urging them to join in measures against the Wahabis. It is reported that the Ulama replied that, as Shiahs, they were naturally hostile to the Wahabis, but that they could not promise to assist the speaker, as they did not know him. It is alleged that Saiyid Hussein offered to bring letters of introduction from Saiyid Muhammad as Sadr, and from King Ali, with whom he stated that he had been staying in Baghdad. He added that he proposed touring India and Afghanistan, to propagand against the Akhwan. [Marginalia] Adv [Marginalia] M. [Marginalia] 7/8 [Marginalia] copy HC. [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 7/8 Pilgrims returned from the Hijaz are almost unanimous in their praises of the Wahabi administration. They state that public security is perfect, and that agents of the Wahabi government were everywhere in attendance to make sure that no exorbitant charges were made from the pilgrims. They state also that practically no customs fees were demanded from them on entering the Hijaz, whereas on re-entering 'Iraq, they were put to great inconvenience in having their property searched. Many individuals who abstained from going on pilgrimage
-2- 68 this year, now express their regret. The reports brought back by the pilgrims have produced a considerable effect in the Holy Cities. [Signature] ⟦illegible⟧ [Signature] Administrative Inspector, [Signature] Diwaniyah.
69 SECRET. No. S/144 Office of the Administrative Inspector, Diwaniyah dated the 2nd August, 1927. 3 To The Adviser, Ministry of Interior, Baghdad. MEMORANDUM: SUBJECT: ANTI-AKHWAN FEELING IN NAJF & KERBELA. It is reported that an individual by the name of Saiyid Hussein Dabbagh, a native of the Hijaz, has recently been visiting Najf and Kerbela. He stated that he was a member of an Anti-Wahabi Society in the Yemen. He visited the Ulama and local notables, urging them to join in measures against the Wahabis. It is reported that the Ulama replied that, as Shiahs, they were naturally hostile to the Wahabis, but that they could not promise to assist the speaker, as they did not know him. It is alleged that Saiyid Hussein offered to bring letters of introduction from Saiyid Muhammad as Sadr, and from King Ali, with whom he stated that he had been staying in Baghdad. He added that he proposed touring India and Afghanistan, to propagand against the Akhwan. Pilgrims returned from the Hijaz are almost unanimous in their praises of the Wahabi administration. They state that public security is perfect, and that agents of the Wahabi government were everywhere in attendance to make sure that no exorbitant charges were made from the pilgrims. They state also that practically no customs fees were demanded from them on entering the Hijaz, whereas on re-entering 'Iraq, they were put to great inconvenience in having their property searched. Many individuals who abstained from going on pilgrimage
-2- [Marginalia] 68 this year, now express their regret. The reports brought back by the pilgrims have produced a considerable effect in the Holy Cities. [Signature] ⟦illegible⟧ Administrative Inspector, Diwaniyah.
SECRET. No. S/ 87. Office of the Administrative Inspector, Diwaniyah dated the 13th May, 1927. [Marginalia] 61/1/7 [Stamp] 14 [Stamp] CONFIDENTIAL [Stamp] Inward 3105 [Stamp] Date 15-5-27 [Stamp] File No 61/1/7 To The Adviser, Ministry of Interior, BAGHDAD. MEMORANDUM: Enclosed please find a copy of a report No. I/D/23/13 dated 5th May, 1927, from S.S.O. Diwaniyah, for information. [Marginalia] Adv. ⟦illegible⟧ 15/5 [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 15/5 [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 15/5 [Signature] ⟦illegible⟧ [Signature] Administrative Inspector, [Signature] DIWANIYAH.
SECRET. No. S/ 87. Office of the Administrative Inspector, Diwaniyah dated the 13th May, 1927. 14 To The Adviser, Ministry of Interior, BAGHDAD. MEMORANDUM: Enclosed please find a copy of a report No. I/D/23/13 dated 5th May, 1927, from S.S.O. Diwaniyah, for information. [Signature] ⟦illegible⟧ [Signature] Administrative Inspector, [Signature] DIWANIYAH.
Copy of a report No. I/D/23/13 dated 5th May, 1927, from the Special Service Officer, Diwaniyah, to I.O.P. Diwaniyah A.H.Q. Baghdad, A.I. Diwaniyah, and S.S.O., Baghdad. ------ Anti-Akhwan agitation. Reference previous reports, is confirmation or otherwise available upon the following details, please. SHAIKH MOHAMMAD AL JALAIWI? NAJAFI. Reports from a source usually reliable state that this man's activities included visits to Sa'dun al Risan (AL HAMAD- 'AQRAH) and to SHA'LAN al ATAIYAH, (SHABANAH-'AQRAH). He is said to have stayed one night at the mudhif of Sha'lan. He has apparently now left DIWANIYAH but reports suggest that he is expected to return. SHAIKH KADHIM AL MUSA, and the three Mullahs. These persons are believed still to be with Sha'lan al Shahad (AL BUDAIR), bu but one report states that they passed through Diwaniyah and returned to Najaf yesterday. SAIYID MAHI AL QASWINI. This man is understood to have stayed while at Diwaniyah at the house of his relation Saiyid Na'ama al Qaswini and not with Saiyid 'Ali ibn Saiyid Talib. SHAIKH SALIH (from NAJAF). No, personal particulars yet known of this man, but he is beleived to be moving in the Dagharah area. -------
SECRET. No. S/ 78 [Marginalia] <del>61/1/7</del> Office of the Administrative Inspector, Diwaniyah dated the 6th May, 1927. 8 [Stamp] ⟦MINISTRY OF INTERIOR⟧ [Stamp] Inward No. 3010 [Stamp] Date 11.5.27 [Stamp] File No. 61/1/7 To The Adviser, Ministry of Interior, Baghdad. Memorandum: Enclosed please find copy of S.S.O. Diwaniyah's No. I/D/23/12 of 4th May, 1927. [Marginalia] Adv ⟦illegible⟧ 19/5 [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 12/5 [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 11/5 [Signature] ⟦illegible⟧ [Signature] Administrative Inspector, [Signature] Diwaniyah. Encl: One.
SECRET. No. S/ 28 Office of the Administrative Inspector, Diwaniyah dated the 6th May, 1927. 8 To The Adviser, Ministry of Interior, Baghdad. Memorandum: Enclosed please find copy of S.S.O. Diwaniyah's No. I/D/23/12 of 4th May, 1927. [Signature] ⟦illegible⟧ [Signature] Administrative Inspector, [Signature] Diwaniyah. Encl: One.
Copy of a report No. I/D/23/12 dated 4th May, 1927, from the S.S.O. Diwaniyah, to the Air Staff Intelligence Air Headquarters, Baghdad, and others concerned. ----- Anti-Akhwan agitation. Further to my report No. I/D/23/11 of 1.5.27, the following information is submitted. On 3/5, the anniversary of the death of Mohammad al Taqi, whose burial place is at Kadhimain, two demonstrations took place in Diwaniyah. Demonstrations also are reported from other towns including Najaf and Karbalah. It is usual for demonstrations to take place on this occasion, but in this instance there appear to be unusual incidents connected with them. 1. At Diwaniyah the procession of mourners in the morning consisted entirely of Persiand and a few Afghans, led by a certain Saiyid Hadi, a Persian. There was no admixture of townsmen. This is not customary, and many of these "darvishes" had been brought in especially for the occasion from Karbalah. The remainder were "darvish" beggers of Diwaniyah. Similar processions but on a smaller scale are reported from Dagharah and Afaj. It is thought that the instructions for these were brought by Saiyids, Akhundis, or Mullahs from Karbalah and Najaf, while touring this area on the pretext of collecting religious dues. During the demonstration on the night of 28/4, the following phrase was continually chanted. وين يا ابن سعود وجهك والاسلام ملتف عزمها (wherever you turn, Oh ibn Sa'ud you shall face well armed Moslims). On the occasion of the demonstration on the morning of 3/5, most of the chanting was in Persian except when the procession entered the "suq" when a chant was raised in Arabic الحرب على ظهر الخيل لا شك اليمة ما ينفع دكت الصلب لو شد (War on horseback is noble and weeping is of no avail after we have been hanged). Also at intervals verses of the Kor'an were recited, followed by the phrase انتقموا من الذي الجاها عليكم (revenge your selves upon those who have brought you to this pass).
-2- In the house of Saiyid Ali ibn Saiyid Talib, a brief address was given in Persian, which appears to have been merely a recitation of the circumstances of the death of Mohammad al Taqi. 2. On the evening of 3/5, a larger demonstration took place The procession was again led by the Persian Section, but was followed by sections of townsmen. The Persian Chants were as before, but the Arabs used a number of religious verses followed generally by the refrain على جوار الممات بل كم لوعاء ⟦المدينة⟧ السم اكبر (who but would prefer to die for Madinah rather than by this poisoning). At intervals the leader of the Diwaniyah demonstrators, Abdul Amir ibn Dosi by name, mounted upon a stool and recited from a written paper which he carried. A rough translation of the words used is as follows:- " What grief did you feel when your bones were desecrated by ibn Sa'ud the faithless. You have suffered grievously, and your suffering pierces the hearts of true Moslims like an arrow. Where are your actions, O powerful Moslims." The crowd appeared to be very much agitated whenever this recitation occurred. 3. An Arab "darvish" by name Haji Mustafa Karbalayi, arrived in Diwaniyah on 2/5, it is believed from Karbalah, with two Persian companions. He has taken part in the demonstrations, and also is collecting money by the sale of religious pamphlets in the town. He seems to pose also as a "snake charmer." According to gossip he is an agent of the anti-Akhwan organizers in Baghdad, and is present in order to report on the progress of public interest in the demonstrations. He seems to be well received everywhere, and is resident with other "darvishes" in one of the local mosques. 4. Ref: my I/D/23/11 dated 1.5.27. SHAIKH MOHAMMAD NAJAFI. It has been ascertained that this man proceeded to Shamiyah, returned to Diwaniyah and thence on 3/5 again to Najaf. It has been noticed that he sometimes prefers to move about the town dressed in an ordinary Arab dress, without his "Amanah." He has been while in Diwaniyah at the house of Mohammad al Haji Hassan.
-3- ABDUL WAHID AL HAJI SIKR<del>I</del>. Is still present in Diwaniyah (ref. I/JDO/10 dated <del>May</del> 1st). SHAIKH KADHIM AND THREE MULLAHS. These people are reported to be in Al Budair (IBRAH) at the house of Shalan al Shahad (Al Budair). SAIYID NA'MA AL QASWINI. This man who is a cousin of Saiyid Mohammad al Qaswini of Hillah, and of Saiyid Mahi al Qaswini of Hindiyah, has a house in Diwaniyah, which may be used as a centre for anti-Akhwan propaganda if demonstrations continue in this district, (ref. I/D/4/5, dated 24/4/27, Part II (A) ). 5. Demonstrations may be expected on the following dates 10/5, Anniversary of the death of Muslim ibn Aqib. 13/5, " of birth of Imam Ridhah. 27/5, " of an important religious declaration made by Mohammad al Mecca shortly before his daath. It is not yet known whether any special organization is in hand for these or other dates, but there is considerabl⟦e⟧ indication that a recrudescence of ehergy is emanating from Karbalah with a view to re-kindling the flagging interest of the people in the alleged desecrations carried out by Ibn Sa'ud. 6. An indefinte report sta⟦t⟧es that 'Abdul Wahid recently gave large sums of money to the anti-Akhwan society in Karbalah, either on his own behalf, or as the intermediary of influential agitators in Baghdad. In this connection a report by F/Lt, Moore dated 16th Sept<del>em</del>ber, 1926, written in Baghdad has relevant reference to the probable attitude to be expected from the leading Fatlah Shaikhs in any such agitation as the present. This office report No. I/D/23 dated 24.2.27, sub-paras (a), (c), (d) and (e) also has been bearing upon the present developments. ----------
[Marginalia] 61/1/7 SECRET. No.S/ 73 Office of the Administrative Inspector, Diwaniyah dated the 2nd May, 1927. 3 [Stamp] Inward: 2820 [Stamp] Date: 4.5.27 [Stamp] File No: 61/1/7 To The Adviser, Ministry of Interior, Baghdad. Memorandum: I forward herewith copy of a report received from the S.S.O. Diwaniyah, relative to an anti-Wahabi demonstration in this town. It will be recollected that the Qaswini Saiyids of Hillah and Hindiyah have been very prominent recently in anti-Wahhabi activities. [Marginalia] Ack. [Marginalia] CCR. 5/5 [Marginalia] FA [Marginalia] SA [Marginalia] Ans 5/5 [Marginalia] Copy H.C? [Marginalia] ⟦signature⟧ 4/5. Encl.One. [Signature] ⟦signature⟧ [Signature] Administrative Inspector, [Signature] Diwaniyah.
Confidential. No. C/ ⟦1638⟧ 61/1/7 Ministry of the Interior, Baghdad, the 5th May, 1927. [Stamp] SECRET [Stamp] ⟦illegible stamp⟧ To :- The Secretary to His Excellency the High Commissioner for 'Iraq, Baghdad. Memorandum. Forwarded for information. [Marginalia] 8/5 [Marginalia] 722 [Marginalia] A2 [Signature] ⟦Case⟧ [Signature] for Adviser, Ministry of Interior. [Marginalia] ⟦أبو حنيفة ؟⟧ [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ [Marginalia] 24/5 Copy. Reference:- No.I/D/23/11. Specual Service Officer, DIWANIYAH Dated 1st May, 1927. S E C R E T. To:- Air Staff Intelligence Air Headquarters, Baghdad. MEMORANDUM: On the night of 28/4 the anniversary of the death of Ja'far al Sadiq, whose tomb is said to be amongst those dececrated by Ibn Sa'ud at Madinah, a demonstration of grief was organised at Diwaniyah. The instructions for this are reported to have come from Karbalah, and to have be⟦e⟧n received in Diwaniyah by Saiyid Hadi ibn Saiyid Salih (a poor and inconspicuous inhabitant). The demonstration was attended by considerable crowds, banners were displayed and the usual demonstrations of breast-beating engaged in. Brief anti-Akhwan addresses were given in front of the house of Saiyid 'Ali ibn Saiyid Talib, and collections are also reported to have been made for anti-Akhwan organization. During the passing of the procession round the town phrases hostile to ibn Sa'ud were chanted. The demonstration was quite orderky, and was under police supervision. In connection with the above, the following noteworthy points are submitted. Saiyid <del>Mahdi</del> ⟦MUHI-AL-DIN⟧ al Qaswini was present in Diwaniyah on 28/4, staying the night with Saiyid 'Ali ibn Saiyid Talib chief 'Alim of this town. Saiyid <del>Mahdi</del> ⟦MUHI-AL-DIN⟧ al Qaswini is reported to have addressed the demonstration in the Mosque. He returned to Hindiyah next day. Other visitors of possible significance are:- 26/4, a party of 5 Akhundis passed through this town from Najaf on their way to the Gharraf area.
-2- 26/4, Shaikh Salih } From Najaf stayed in Diwaniyah with Haji Saiyid Hadi Rosakhond } Ja'far, a prominent citizen of "religious" } activities left on 1/5. 28/4, Shaikh Muhammad Najafi came from Najaf and seems to have remained in the town unnoticed for some days. A noterious trouble maker associated with Abdul Wahid in the revolt. It is noted that Abdul Wahid also arrived in Diwaniyah on 29/4. Subsequent movements of Shaikh Muhammad xxx being investigated. 29/4, Shaikh Kadhim and three Mullahs came from Najaf and proceeded to Afaj and Al Budair area (present activities being investigated). These visits are possibly explained by movements to claim religious dues as is usual in this season. [Signature] Sd. H. Hindle James, [Signature] Flight Lieutenant, [Signature] Special Service Officer, [Signature] Diwaniyah. Copies:- Air Headquarters, Baghdad. 1. Administrative Inspector, Diwaniyah. 1. Inspecting Officer of Police, Diwaniyah. 1. File. 1.
Confidential. Ministry of the Interior, No. C/ 1161 Baghdad the 23rd March 1927. To The Secretary to H.E. the High Commissioner, for 'Iraq, Baghdad. Memorandum. * The undermentioned correspondence received from the Air Headquarters, Baghdad under memo. No. 1/9/1 dated 15th March 1927, is returned herewith with thanks. [Signature] ⟦AG⟧ [Signature] 23/3 [Signature] for Adviser Ministry of Interior. * Tehran Memorandum No. 43 dated the 19th February 1927, with enclosure, regarding the recrudescence of agitation concerning desecration of tombs of Wahabis.
2 Foreign Secretary to the Government of India, His Majesty's High Commissioner at Baghdad and to His Majesty's High Commissioner at Cairo. I have the honour to be with the highest respect, Sir, Your most obedient servant, [Signature] Sd. R.H. Clive.
Reference :- No. I/9/1. 61/1/7 AIR HEADQUARTERS, BRITISH FORCES IN IRAQ, BAGHDAD. Dated 15th March 1927. [Stamp] CONFIDENTIAL [Stamp] 2077 To :- [Stamp] 16.3.27 [Stamp] 6/1/7 To :- K. Cornwallis, Esq., CMG, CBE, DSO., Adviser to the Ministry of Interior, BAGHDAD. MEMORANDUM. * The undermentioned correspondence received from the Secretary to His Excellency the High Commissioner, for Iraq, under cover of his No. H.Q/235, dated the 5th March, 1927, is forwarded for your perusal and return to the Secretary to His Excellency the High Commissioner, direct. [Signature] ⟦W. Payne⟧ 15/3/27 [Signature] for Colonel, [Signature] Air Staff Intelligence, [Signature] Air Headquarters, Iraq. * Teheran Memorandum No. 43 dated the 19th February, 1927, with enclosure, to H.E. the High Commissioner, Baghdad, regarding the recrudescence of agitation concerning desecration of tombs of Wahabis. (I.No.2515 of 2/3/27). [Marginalia] Adv Int [Marginalia] PA [Marginalia] SA [Marginalia] GA [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 20/3 [Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 16/3 [Marginalia] D.I.G. C.I.D. [Marginalia] to see & note NC/1109. [Marginalia] To D.I.G. Police (C.I.D) [Marginalia] To see & return [Marginalia] ⟦Signature⟧ [Marginalia] 20/3/27 for Adv. Interior [Marginalia] /FGB. [Marginalia] ⟦Signature⟧ 20/3 [Marginalia] Seen or noted [Marginalia] ⟦Signature⟧ 20/3/27