IRAQ AND THE LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 80, 28 December 1929, Page 22

IRAQ AND THE LEAGUE

BRITISH OFFER

ADMISSION TO BE RECOMMENDED

The British Government’s decision to follow the advice of the late High Commissioner, Sir Gilbert Clayton, by recommending unconditionally that Iraq be admitted to the League of Nations in 1932, has caused a great change in the political situation in Iraq, where the British Government is now almost popular for the first time in len years. When he heard the news Sir Abdul Muhsin immediately consented to form a new Cabinet, which is notable for the inclusion as Minister of Finance of Yassin Pasha Hashimi, a prominent supporter of the Nationalist movement.

The intimation of the British decision was made in a Press Bureau communique as follows: — Following the suspension last winter of negotiations between the Iraq and British Governments for the revision of the financial and military agreements, the Iraq Government considered it advisable to direct attention tot another means whereby the country’s aspirations might be realised—namely, the termination of the operation of the existing treaties by the admission of Iraq to the League of Nations. Accordingly the Iraq Government discussed the matter with the late Sir Gilbert Clayton, who expressed, his willingness to support Iraq’s point of view and to address the British Government on the subject with all possible expedition. When the Labour Cabinet came into office Sir Gilbert Clayton proceeded to impress them with the necessity of an early decision on tie Iraqi proposals. A reply has now been received from the British Government in the following terms:—British Reply. “First, Great Britain is prepared , to support Iraq's candidature for admission

to the League in 1932; secondly, Great Britain will inform the Council of the League at its next session of Great Britain’s decision not to jiroceed with tho treaty of 1927; thirdly, Great Britain will inform the Council of the League of Nations at its next session in January that in accordance with Articles 3 of the Anglo-Iraqi Treaty of 1926 it proposes to recommend Iraq for admission to the League in 1932.” The communique adds that it will be observed that Great Britain has now removed any qualification with regard to the admission of Iraq to the League. As it will be necessary to conclude a treaty before 1932 to regulate relations between Great Britain and Iraq after the latter’s admission to the League, steps will now be taken to prepare a draft treaty for that purpose.

The communique concludes :—“Such is the text of the British Government’s reply. It is a matter of regret that this reply was on its way . when Sir Gilbert Clayton lay dying, as it would no doubt have given him the greatest pleasure to be able to communicate it personally to the Iraq Government.”

JDvents moved quickly after the publication of the communique. In a subsequent speech Sir Abdul Muhsin pointed out that the new draft treaty would be on the lines of that proposed in respect of Egypt. “The concurrence of the British Government .in Iraq’s claims,” he added, “is conclusive proof of the conciliatory and far-sighted policy which it has now decided to adopt towards Iraq, which is already bound to Britain by bonds of friendly fellowship. I and my colleagues are convinced that the new offer satisfies part of the aspirations of the Iraq nation, which will accept in the long run nothing short of complete independence. “In view of this conviction I have accepted the King’s call to form a new Government, and sincerely hope that the spirit of comradeship will prevail among Iraq and British officials alike. I call upon all officials strictly to observe the provisions of the Constitution, and warn them against any deviation therefrom. King Feisal has impressed upon the new Ministers the necessity of conducting the negotiations with Great Britain m a spirit of friendliness and sincere co-opera-tion, and Sir Abdul Muhsin has stated that his policy is in no way hosti e to the British nation, and added that, if all went well, Iraq would soon be fit to assume responsbility not only for the administration of the country, but also for the internal and external defence, with gjme support from the British Government.