ELECTIONS: LABOR CONDITIONS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00457R000500790001-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: November 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 11, 2000
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: May 12, 1947
• Content Type: IR

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A-RDP82-00457R000500790001-3
cONHDCN1AL
25X1A
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP 74G?0
I3TELLIGENCE REPORT
COUNTRY Iraq
SUBJECT Elections: Labor Conditions
DA'X1 A
DIST. May
1947
25X1A
PAGES
SUPPLEMENT
25X1X
the parliamentary election held in Iraq, the results. of which
were announced on 10 March, was a distinct step fo rd, in that it -vaas the first
election ever held in that country for which a variety of candidates were per-
mitted to offer themselves as candidates. The fact that the election was not
exactly "free" in the American meaning of the word is not of such importance as
the fact that in that election the idea was advanced that the governmental slate
might be opposed, and that it is not beneath the dignity of an Iraqi "gentleman"
to offer himself to the people as a candidate.
April 1947
2. There is rising discontent with wages and the general condition of the workmen
in Iraq, although in Kirkuk, since the strike in the oilfields and the
announcement of a company housing project, the general run of labor seems
fairly well satisfied. However, there is still a dissident element that is fo-
menting trouble, with no very clear program except "equal pay for all."
~.~ In Basra the possibility of labor troubles appears more threatening,, and
there s a definite feeling of unrest among Basra labor which, in source's
opinion, will break out in some undesirable form in the future, if conditions
are not bettered. Although at present the discontent is not the result of
trained or subsidized agitators, it could easily have serious consequences if
such agitators were put to work among.the laborers.
The distribution of Conmwist literature in Kirkuk has recently ceased
(apparently the stock .rich was for use during the strike has run out), but
other agitation continues along the lines of racial disturbances,. caused chiefly
by starting rumors concerning Kurds, Assyrians, Jews or ,Armenians. Theses
as well as several minor bombings, are looked upon by the populace as the work-
of hoodlums, and no organized movement has been started.
This dootuanet contains information affecting the national
defense of the United States within
the meaning or' the Espionage Act, 30, ,S.C. 31 and 32
as amended.* its transmission of the revelatiori or its' oont
in &-Av runner To an unau hor.ized person is prohibited by1
CONFIL)LNT
C
hereby regraded to
.
is
document
o FIDt t VAL in accordance with the
r 178 from- the
letter c< 3 Oc:ol;e
Director c: Central in'teiliOence to the
Archivist o the United States.
.Next Review Date: 2008
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