Anglo-Iraqi Treaty of 1930 facts for kids

The Anglo-Iraqi Treaty of 1930 was an important agreement between the United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) and the Kingdom of Iraq. This treaty was like a special promise or alliance between the two countries.

At the time, Iraq was under a "mandate" from the British. This meant the British helped govern Iraq after World War I. The treaty was signed by King George V's government for the UK and King Faisal I of Iraq's government for Iraq. Important people who signed it were Francis Humphrys for the UK and Prime Minister Nuri as-Said for Iraq.

This 1930 treaty built upon an earlier agreement from 1922. It became even more important because new oil fields were found in Iraq in 1927, making Iraq very valuable to British interests.

Why the Treaty Was Made

Iraq After World War I

During the First World War, the British Army and its allies fought against the Ottoman Empire. The British won in a region called Mesopotamia, which later became Iraq.

After the war ended, British troops stayed in this area. In 1920, the League of Nations (an early version of the United Nations) gave the United Kingdom control over Iraq. This was called a "mandate."

Iraq's Path to Independence

The Kingdom of Iraq officially began when King Faisal I was crowned on August 23, 1921. The 1930 treaty was a step towards Iraq becoming truly independent. It said that Iraq would gain its freedom two years later and could join the League of Nations.

However, the main goal of the treaty for Britain was to keep important business and military rights in Iraq even after it became independent.

What the Treaty Said

British Rights in Iraq

The 1930 treaty gave the British many rights in Iraq. Winston Churchill, who later became a British Prime Minister, explained some of these.

The treaty allowed Britain to keep air bases near Basra and Habbaniya during peacetime. It also gave them the right to move military forces and supplies through Iraq at any time.

Support During War

During wartime, the treaty said that Iraq would give Britain "all possible facilities." This meant Britain could use Iraq's railways, rivers, ports, and airways to move its armed forces.

The treaty gave Britain almost unlimited rights to have military forces in Iraq. It also allowed Britain to move troops into or through Iraq without any conditions.

Later Events and the Treaty

These terms were used in 1941 to justify a British invasion and occupation of Iraq. This happened after a coup in Iraq, where new leaders had connections with Germany and Italy during World War II.

The British military stayed in Iraq until the end of 1947, using the treaty as their reason. Before leaving, Britain tried to get Iraq to sign a new treaty that would give them even more power. However, there were big protests in Iraq, and this new treaty never went into effect.

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