MESOPOTAMIAN MANDATE

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14584, 5 February 1921, Page 5

MESOPOTAMIAN MANDATE

AN AMBIGUOUS DOCUMENT. (The Times.) LONDON, February 3. The draft of the British mandate over Mesopotamia, which is to be submitted for tlie. League of Nations' approval, is extraordinarily ambiguous ami involved in the main provisions. There is no discrimination against foreign states ensuring trade in tlie oil enterprises, and all nations are placed on the same footing as regards freedom in religion and education. Britain is made responsible for foreign relations, defence and maintenance of the present frontiers. THE MANDATE CRITICISED. BRITAIN'S UNFAIR POSITION. Received February 4, 5.5 p.m. * LONDON, February 3. Referring to the terms of the British mandate for Mesopotamia, which compels Britain to retain a large force of troops, but does not permit her to discriminate against foreign countries in regard to the exploitation of resources, Lord Sydenham says that if Britain has to bear the tremendous cost and responsibility, it is monstrous that, she should be expected to share the trade right witli every other country. It would also be a dangerous step to hand over the Government to the Arabs. Lord Hubert Cecil also thinks the mandate dues not give protection agaiiist concession hunters.