MOSUL DISPUTE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16920, 29 December 1925, Page 7

MOSUL DISPUTE.

ANGORA GOVERNMENT’S DESIRE. ‘ ‘ PEACEFUL SETT LEM ENT. ’ ’ ttjvdncy Sun Caoles) CONSTANTINOPLE, Dec. 27. The. Angora Government voted, by an overwhelming majority, in favor of the peaceful settlement of the Mosul dispute. NEXT SIX MONTHS. PERIOD THAT MATTERS. TIMES ’ CRITICISM. LONDON, Dee. 17. —Discussing ihe decision awarding Mosul lo Iraq, the Times, in a leading article, points out that Britain’s responsibility in regard to Iraq does udt necessarily extend to 2b years. The British Government was never so committed to that country, and is not committed now. “Air. Amcry always made it plain,’’ the article proceeds, “that our sole object in Iraq was to secure conditions to enable Iraq to become capable of governing and defending itself. Whether this process will take six, eight or 20 years, it is impossible to say, but the more encouraging experiences of the last two years suggest that the period may he shorter rather than longer. “Meanwhile, both parties have been given six months iu which to adapt their policies and aspirations. It is tho next six months that matter now, not the hypothetical 25 years.” DECISION CRITICISED. LONDON, Dec. 17.—The Daily Mail, in a leading article, declares: “Contiary to Sir Austen Chamberlain’s statement, Britain does not accept or welcome the council’s award. There will be universal indignation when the nation realises Ihe greatness of its new burden. Sir Austen Chamberlain may find the Locarno bouquets transmuted into Mosul brickbats. “The •leeision involves the risk of a Tunvislt war. Ministers pooh-pooh the idea, but they are dreaming when they imagine that. Iraq’s .143,000 square miles can be defended by the present establishment of eight aircraft squadrons. The French and Spanish experiences in Morocco, which covers 10,000 square miles, proved that aeroplanes are of small military value in mountainous country. Moreover, the Turkish forces outnumber Ihe Riffs fourfold.

“The conquest of Iraq necessitated the employment of 889,000 men, including many Indians, but India would not again send troops. The possibility of Iraq entering the League before the expiration of 25 years is a delusive qualification owing to the shadow of a Turkish war.” The Westminster Gazette estimates that Britain’s total liability in connection with Mosul will amount of £IOO,000,000, and declares, “All the taxpayer can see is the violent shortsightedness of the pocket-Napolcon, Mr. Amcry.”