NEW IRAK TREATY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 21, 23 December 1925, Page 9

NEW IRAK TREATY.

DISCUSSION IN THE COMMONS. RATIFICATION IN FEBRUARY. LONDON, Dec. 21. Mr Baldwin, in the House of Commons, announced that the new Irak treaty would be presented to the House for ratification early in February. The Premier declined to withdraw his motion approving the Ministry’s action in regard to Mosul. Mr J. R. Clynes complained of an attempt to coerce the Opposition into a decision that should be sought on tho treaty in February. Ho asked Oppositionists not to participate ;n the debate. The Opposition immediately began to obstruct the House of Lords’ amendments to the Rating Bill, Mr Mardy Jones threatening to keep members taking divisions ail night long. Mr Neville Chamberlain retorted by moving the adjournment of tho debate in order to permit the Irak dobate to be taken, and his motion was carried. Mr Clynes intimated that unless Mr Baldwin withdrew his Irak motion the Labourites could not participate. Mr Baldwin declined, whereupon Mr Clynes led tho exodus of Labourites from tho Chamber. After the Labour members’ departure Mr Baldwin pointed out that the Government had no intention of ratifying the treaty until the house had fully discussed it in February. It only asked for a general acceptance of the award to-day in order to show their determination to sustain the League as an instrument of world peace. The Government was determined that the period over which the British taxpayer was to be burdened with extra expenditure on account of Irak should be ended as soon as possible. He reminded the House that Lord Parmoor last year renewed the undertaking, on behalf of tho Labour Ministry, to accept the Leaguo’s award. Tho present undertaking was not for a definite 25 years, but till such time as Irak acquired solidarity justifying her admission to the League. The mandate did not involve keeping troops in Irak, but only co-operation and advice to ensure stability. Whether Irak was subject to a mandate or became a member of the League, it was equally entitled to tho Leaguo’s protection in the event of attack. Mr Baldwin added: ‘‘Sir Austen Chamberlain at Geneva expressed a desire for an agreement with Turkey. In order to give effect to that statement I have asked the Turkish Ambassador to meet me to-morrow, and I want the country behind me.” A number of Liberals and Conservatives, following Mr Baldwin, insisted on the danger of Britain committing herself to remaining in Irak for 25 years, though it was generally admitted that the Turks must not be permitted to believe the country was divided. Commander Kenworthy and others urged tho desirability of coming to an agreement with Turkey, who was at present driven under Russia’s tutelage. Mr L. C. Amery, in winding up the debate, said: ‘‘Our expenditure in Irak is a little over £4,000,000 annually, of which £2,000,000 are on the wonderful air force which provides frontier security. Personally I am convenced that Irak will not only pay its way in a few years, but will steadily shoulder the burden wo are carrying for her. If oil is found in large quantities in Irak her Government will be able to deal with the problems of water supply and irrigation.” A few Liberals challenged the division. Mr Baldwin’s motion was eventually carried by 239 votes to four. A. and N.Z. cable.