IRAQ: Standstill

The Government, bent on taking a census of Iraq’s 3,500,000 (estimated) people, bethought itself of the surging throngs in the bazaars and narrow lanes of Old Baghdad. If noses were to be counted, the nose-bearers would have to stand still. So last week the Government ordered every one (including Government officials other than census-takers) to stay home on census days.

One unintended catch in the net was visiting Scripps-Howard Correspondent William H. Newton, who wanted to take a plane out the day after the census. He needed an exit visa to leave Iraq.

“I cannot get an exit visa because it is night and the Government offices are all closed,” explained the American to an air line agent. “They will not be open tomorrow because of the census. And the plane leaves early the next morning.” “This is true,” said the agent. Then he smiled: “Ah, you must get the exit visa this morning.” “How can I get the exit visa this morning when it is already tonight?” asked Newton.

“I am sorry, you must get the exit visa this morning,” said the agent firmly. “This is the rule.”