890G.24/35: Telegram
The Chargé in Iraq (Farrell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:37 p.m.]
127. At the instance of the United States military Iranian mission I have engaged in discussions with the Iraqi Ministry of Finance with a view to obtaining exemption from customs and other dues on materials imported by the mission into Iraq as well as goods in transit. Ministry suggest that note be tendered through Foreign Office requesting “That immunities and privileges in jurisdictional and fiscal matters including freedom from taxation which are now enjoyed by British forces in Iraq according to treaty be extended to the United States military mission and its agencies functioning under orders from United States Government” and listing all agencies so functioning under the mission. While Iraqi Government is apparently willing to grant the desired extention to bona fide agencies of the War Department clearly financed by the United States Government and manned by personnel subject to military jurisdiction, question is raised regarding the status with the War Department of Pan American Airways and Douglas Aircraft Corporation. Although latter does not function in Iraq but in Iran, military mission desires all agencies covered here.