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between Iraq and Turkey. The principal reason for surveilling the group
was the fact that all four kept constant and close contact with certain train
staff who were known to be working for the enemy. They also attended all
arrivals and departures of the Taurus Express, without travelling them-
selves, which may perhaps have been moderately plausible behaviour for
Andriassian, but not for the other three members of the group (two Turks
and a Syrian). Prior to the ban on the cross-border travel of CIWL person-
nel, DSO were able to keep some check on the four men. However, the
ban may have forced Andriassian and his associates, all intelligent and well
connected, to maintain their contacts with Turkey through the medium of
ordinary Taurus passengers (Fig. 7.2). At any rate, it made it extremely
difficult for DSO to monitor the group’s activities, which were considered
to constitute a danger to security. Therefore there was no choice but to
intern Andriassian and deport the others, which occurred on 16 July 1944.^14
When Turkey broke off diplomatic relations with Germany on 2 August
1944, the move had profound implications for subversive enemy activities
in Iraq. The gateway between Europe and the Middle East was effectively
Fig. 7.2 Passengers awaiting the arrival of the Taurus Express at Tel Kotchek,
- Source: Norsk Teknisk Museum
BORDER SECURITY AND BOOTS ON THE GROUND