MESOPOTAMIA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16758, 7 June 1920, Page 3

MESOPOTAMIA.

BRITISH POLiCY. OUTLINED BY COMMISSIONER. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received June 7, 12.30 p.m.) DELHI, Juno 5. The Civil Commissioner in Mesopotamia, replying to a deputation at Bagdad regarding the policy of Britain in Mesopotamia, said the disturbed condition on the borders of Persia and Turkey prevented l tho establishment of civil government, hut those encouraging disorder would soon bo taught a ■Severe lesson. Tho military _ authorities were determined to maintain order at any cost. Mesopotamia ■ had been under alien government for 400 years, and it was impossible to establish a national Government immediately. Britain intended to form a. National Council of State under an Arab president, who would hold office until the final constitution was decided. Britain in no circumstances would withdraw from the country until she had satisfied the League of Nations that Mesopotamia was fit to stand alone. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.