"Since the beginning of this war Turkey has rendered a great service to our cause by her policy of independence. The importance of her role as a bulwark against further aggression in the Middle East is ai vious. I am sure that loyalty to their alliance with this country will, as ever, be the basis of the Turkish Government's policy."
Turning to Iraq Mr. Eden sai "Unconstitutional action by Rashid Ah has already led once to his fall from power. When later he seized power again the British Government saw no reason why this or any other event in Iraq should deprive them of their clear treaty rights. Nothing can Went to Athens excuse the action of Iraqi military leaders in first accepting and then challenging our clear treaty rights.
"This country has a record of which it has no need to be ashamed in its dealings with the Arab people, and, above all with Iraq, It was we who assured the independence of modern Iraq: It is we who have assisted them and in every respect kept our word, "I wish to make plain to the world our present position. We are very grateful for the offer of their good offices by the Turkish and Egyptian Governments. Our position is: the first requisite is the withdrawal of troops from Habbaniyar and the cessation of hostilities against the British forces in Iraq. When this has been done and fighting between the allied nations has in consequence ceased. his Majesty's Government is prepared to discuss the fulfilment of their treaty rights. which they are in all circumstances determined to maintain. Many of their most distinguished leaders have already realized this.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.