IRAK ASSYRIANS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21919, 1 October 1934, Page 9

IRAK ASSYRIANS

TRANSFER PROPOSAL MATTER BEFORE LEAGUE British Wireless RUGBY, Sept. 28 The question of the settlement outside Asia of Assyrians who may desire to leave Irak came before the Council of the League of Nations to-day. Several suggestions for their settlement have been made from time to time but for various reasons they have been rejected. In.response to a request for further proposals, the possibilities of areas in British Guiana and French West Africa were before the meeting of the Council, together with communications on' the subject from the British and French Governments. The Council decided to attempt the settlement of the Assyrians, and will investigate the suitability of areas and other questions connected with the proposed transfer of these people. The British Government suggests that in regard to a territory of about 13,000 square miles in British Guiana, which might be reserved for the purpose the League's independent investigation into the climate and other conditions should extend over at least three months. The agricultural potentialities of the territory, it is stated, have not been properly tested yet, but it is thought that limited areas would lend themselves to cultivation and meet the requirements of thfe Assyrian settlers and their stock.