The Wanganui Chronicle SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1925. BRITAIN AND IRAQ

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19478, 26 December 1925, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1925. BRITAIN AND IRAQ

At a time when thoughts of peace are uppermost in. everyone’s mind it may be hoped that the coming year will see the final settlement of a troublesome international problem, the disposition of Mosul. So far as Britain is concerned it has been made abundantly clear that she earnestly desires a settlement favourable to Iraq, which is under her care. Iraq, or Mesopotamia as it then was, belonged to Turkey before the war, but was taken by Britain. Iraq became a kingdom, but it was recognised that the kingdom would require support, and Britain was induced to accept a mandate over it. Subsequently it was agreed to substitute a treaty for the mandate, Britain retaining her obligation to grant protection and assistance. It was originally proposed that the term of the treaty should be twenty years, but in the form in which it was ratified it only made provision for four years. This does not mean, however, that Britain will march out of Iraq at the end of the four years, in 1928; the Government has made it dear that the obligation to guard Iraq will be recognised and the relations between the guardian and the ward will continue until Iraq can stand alone. For a long time past there has been criticism of the Government’s intention, but the critics were finally routed this week, when the House of Commons by an overwhelming majority expressed its approval of the Government’s policy.

The immediate cause of the discussion in the House of Commons was Mosul. Ever since the Lausanne Conference Turkey has been pressing a claim to the Mosul territory. Strategically and economically Mosul is certainly part of Iraq, but Turkey, having lost the larger area, has made strenuous efforts to secure the retention of Mosul. The League of Nations, whose arbitration was sought, has finally decided that Iraq shall have the territory, provided Britain maintains her relations with the kingdom or it becomes, in time, a member of the League. Iraq is not strong enough to hold the disputed territory against Turkey, and for that reason the League relies upon Britain to continue her guardianship as long as it is necessary. Britain has now given an assurance that she will stand between Iraq and the aggressor, and in February the House of Commons will be asked to ratify this assurance. Already, however. Turkey should be fully convinced that her hints of war and threats of aggression are idle in the face of Britain's firm resolution. Throughout the post-war settlement the Turks have been flamboyant and elusive. They are willing to treat diplomatically with other nations so long as they can have their own way. but when they are thwarted they adopt an ugly attitude. Their experience in connection with Mosul should teach them a lesson. If it does the new year will be a better international year than the old has been.