MESOPOTAMIA AND SYRIA

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 90, 10 January 1919, Page 5

MESOPOTAMIA AND SYRIA

The following is a translation of a recent joint declaration made by the British and French Governments:— "The object aimed at by France and Great Britain in prosecuting.in the East the war let loose by the ambition of Germany is the oomplete and definite, emancipation of tho peoples so long oppressed by the Turks, and the establishment of Govorriments and national Administrations deriving their authority frcm the initiative and free choice of the indigenous populations. "In order to carry out those intentions France and Great Britain are at one in encouraging and assisting the establishment of indigenous Governments and" Administrations in Syria and Mesopotamia, now liberated by the Allies, and in the territories the liberation of which they are engaged in securing, and in recognis-' ins those- as soon as they are actually established. Far .from wishing to impose on the populations of these regions any, particular institutions, they are only concerned lo ensure by their support and by adequate assistance the regular, working of Governments and Administrations freely chosen by themselves. To secure impartial and equal justice for all, to facilitate the economic development of the country by inspiring and encouraging local initiative, to favour the diffusion of education, to put an end to dissensions that have been too long taken advantage of by Turkish policy, such is the policy which the two Allied Governments uphold in the liberated, territories." '