A NEW RULER.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1921, Page 5

A NEW RULER.

KING OF MESOPOTAMIA.

TREATY WITH BRITAIN. KING GEORGE’S MESSAGE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received August 24, 5.5 p.m. Bagdad, August 23. The accession of Emir Feisul to the Kingship of Irak took place at 6 o’clock in the morning, amid great enthusiasm. Sir Percy Cox (British High Commissioner in Mesopotamia) announced the recognition of Feisul by rhe British Government, and handed the King a personal message from King George. The King’s message congratulates Feisul “ou the most historical and moving occasion, when, by the overwhelming vote of the people of Irak, in the ancient city of Bagdad, again sat un Arab King. It is a deep source of gratification to myself and my people that the combined military effort of the British and Arab forces, and the Allies, culminated in this memorable event. The treaty which will shortly be concluded between us to consecrate the alliance made (hiring the war will enable me to fulfil my solemn obligation by inaugurating an era of peace and renewed prosperity for Irak,”—Aus.N.Z. Cable .Assn.

THE NEW ARAB STATE, IRAK AND ITS KING. The installation of Emir Feisul as ruler of Mesopotamia marks an important advance in the task to which Britain has set her hand of building up around the ancient capital of Bagdad, in a form friendly to Britain and her Allies, an Arab State which will have a full and/ fair opportunity of reviving and embodying the old culture and glory of the Arab race. Another policy might have been chosen—the policy of setting up administrations of local notables in each particular province or city, and of gaining influence under the cover of tribal jealousies. In a large measure this was the policy adopted by the Turks; but, as Mr. Winston Churchill explained, in introducing the Supplementary Estimates for the Middle Eastern service, in June, it has been deliberately set aside as inconsistent with the aspirations of Arab nationality, and incompatible with the fulfilment of the pledges given to the Arab leaders and the Arab race during the >war, and, in particular, after the Turkish Administration was overthrown. The new State, which will have Bagdad as its capital, will be known as Irak.