Arab Allegiance

From Bagdad, ancient center of Islam when it rose to its highest power in the western world, came a message last week that Iraq had declared war against the Axis. The Government charged Germany, Italy and Japan with open interference in the domestic affairs of the country, in stigation to "outright rebellion," and the dissemination of lying rumors and "vile slanders" against the royal family. Formally it declared Iraq's adherence to the United Nations' cause.

Iraq is important for more reasons than its rich oil deposits, its key position on the Allied communications lines in the Middle East theater. It is an important spokesman for the Arab world--the tribes and nations which, angered by neglect after World War I, beset by Axis propaganda and the persuasive fact of Axis victories, long doubted the eventual success of Allied arms. Its swing to the United Nations' side will undoubtedly influence the Arabs, many of whom look to Iraq to present their grievances at the peace table.

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