MOSUL AND IRAQ

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1925, Page 2

MOSUL AND IRAQ

I Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

DERATE IN COMMONS. LONDON, Dec. 21. Air Raldwin, in the House of Commons declined to withdraw a. motion approving ot the Ministry’s action in regard to the Alosul arrangement, lion. J. R. Cl.vhcs complained of the attempt to coerce the Opposition into a decision that should be sought on this treaty in February. He asked the Oppositionists not to participate in the debate. The Opposition immediately liegim to obstruct the J loose of j/irds’ amendments to the Rating Hill. Air Hardy .Jones threatened to keep inemlxirs taking divisions all night long. Air Baldwin's Alosul motion was carried 239 votes to four. A number of Liberals and Conservatives, following All- Baldwin, insisted oil the danger of Britain committing herself to remaining in Iraq for 2-> years, though it was generally admitted that tlie Turks must not lie permitted to believe that the country \rtJY divided. Commander Kenworthy said others urged the desirability ot coming u> vlan agreement with Turkey, who was at » present driven under Russia’s tutelage.

Air Amery (Colonial Secretary), til winding up the debate, said: "Our expenditure in Iraq is a little over tour millions annually, of which two millions are on a wonderful air force which provides frontier security. Personally, I am convinced Iraq will not only pay its way in a few years, but will steadily shoulder the burden we are carrying for them. II oil is toiind in Iraq, the Government will be able to deal with the problems of water supply and irrigation. A few of the Liberals challenged a division.

In the House ot Commons, Sir Neville Chamberlain retorted to the Labourite action by moving the adjournment of the debate on the Bill, in order the permit of an Iraq debate. His motion was carried. Air dynes then intimated that unless Mr Baldwin withdrew his Iraq motion, the Labourites could not par-

ticipate. Mr Raldwin declined to withdraw. Therefore. Air dynes led an exodus of the l.alsmrites from the Chamber. Alter like Labourites’ departure, Air Raldwin pointed out that the Government had no intention of ratifying ihe Iraq decision until the House had lully discussed the Treaty in February. The Government only asked for a general acceptance of the award to-day. Ibis was in order to show a determination to sustain the League of Nations as an instrument of world peace. The Government, he declared, was determined that the period for which tlie British taxpayer is being burdened with the oxru expenditure on account of Iraq should lie ended as soon as |Kissible. He reminded the House that Lord Parmoor last year renewed an undertaking on behalf of the Labour .Ministry to accept tbe League’s award. Tlie present undertaking was not for a definite 2o years, but till such time as Iraq bail acquired a solidarity justifying its admission to tlie League. The British mandate over Iraq did not involve keeping troops in Iraq, but only involved co-operation, and advice, to ensure stability. "Whether Iraq ware subject to a mandate or to a member of the League, it was equally entitled t 0 tlie League’s protection in the event, of attack. Air Raldwin added: “Sir Austen Chamberlain, at Geneva, expressed a desire for an agreement with Turkey. In order to give effect to that statement, 1 have asked the Turkish Am' bassador to meet me to-morrow, and I want the country behind me.”