Iraqi Pledge a ‘Fight to Death’ For Abdullah, Associated Press, San Francisco Chronicle, May 6, 1948.

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By DANIEL DE LUCE Associated Press Staff Editor

MAFRAK, Trans-Jordan, May 5-The commander of an Iraqi armored brigade told King Abdullah of Trans-Jordan today the Iraqis “are ready to die in the fight to rescue Palestine.”

Brigadier Taher Mohammed Bey escorted Abdullah on an inspection of Iraqi armor, artillery and infantry and then made a formal address to the King. The veteran officer predicted “The victory soon will be won” and said he and his men “are ready to lay down our lives at the King’s command.”

Abdullah walked nearly a mile past long lines of armored brigades, equipment and men. The Iraqis cheered and clapped as he passed.

The brigade arrived in Mafrak Monday night. Its move to this country followed the Arab League’s war council meeting in Amman a week earlier.