MIDDLE EAST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27385, 10 May 1950, Page 2

MIDDLE EAST

An American’s Introduction Arabs, Oil and History. By Kermit Roosevelt. Gollancz. 17s 6d. In 1947 Kermit Roosevelt, a grandson of Theodore Roosevelt, toured extensively in the Middle East, a region with which he was already personally acquainted, and of which he possesses a historian’s knowledge. This book is a survey of nine "countries in that area, based on his previous knowledge and on the impressions of his tour. It was first published in the United States, and has now appeared in England. Unfortunately for the author, the post-war years have been very eventful in the Middle East, and more than a little of what he wrote is already dated. is background material, however, is still valuable, and he provides descriptions of important movements and of the personalities who have helped to shape recent developments. Especially is it a very readable and candid piece of work. Only the other day ? cablegram referred to a protest from the Egyptian authorities about American press references to King Farouk. The story that Farouk has said that “In a few years there will be only five kings in the world—the King of England and the four kings in a pack of cards," appears in this book--along with some other material. The Egyptian chapter is typical of the style of the book. There is Court gossip, street rumours, second-hand accounts of “ incidents," statistics, an outline of the life cycle of Bilharzia, political summaries, references to social progress—all offered somewhat at random but all brightly presented . His political acumen is not always reliable For example he writes - “The Wafd is unlikly to get in power while Nahas lives, and will probably break to pieces when he dies.” The author states that he has written “ with the conviction that under standing between the Middle East and America is vital to both. Each has much to offer, and to learn. For that there must be understanding and frankness." This is all very true. American comment in the past on Middle East affairs—and Great Britain's part in them—have not always been informed or helpful, so that the appearance of books which are likely to reach a wide public—such as this is—are to be welcomed.