Iraq: Move of British Troops Into. Note by Secy.

SECRET CIPHER TELEGRAM. From: War Office. 60471. Desp. 0700. 8/4/41. To: C. in C., Middle East. Your telegram No. 03799. Following from J.I.C. In view of Anglo-Iraqi Treaty move of British land forces into Iraq in transit would not give rise to unfavourable reactions from either Iran or Russia. Iranian reaction to location of British forces in Iraq will be anxiety lest this should endanger their own situation as Iranian Government hope that war will remain at a distance from their territory. Iranian Government would be anxious as to possible Russian reactions but they will be unlikely to make any attempt to interfere with move or to assist efforts of German agents to exploit situation.