THE NEAR EAST

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1929, Page 5

THE NEAR EAST

POLITICAL SITUATION IN IRAQ

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright;.

BAGHDAD, September 20,

The political situation, in Iraq lias greatly changed following the British Government’s .offer to recommend unconditionally, Iraq’s entrance to the League of Nations in 1932, whereby all parties are placated. A new Cabinet has been formed under the premiership t.lf Sir Abdul Sarduri. A communique announced that Sir Gilbert Clayton impressed the Labour Cabinet with the advisability of an early decision on Iraq’s demand to enter the League as a means of terminating existing treaties.

It is regretted that the British reply was en route while Clayton was dying. It would have given him pleasure to communicate it personally to Iraq. The British reply also announ ces the decision not to proceed with the 1927 treaty, but it is necessary to conclude the treaty before 1932 to regulate Anglo-Iraq relations. A draft treaty Will be prepared based on the Anglo-Egyptian settlement. Sir Abdul Saidun, in accepting the Premiership said the offer satisfied part of the aspirations of the Iraq nation, which would accept nothing in the long run falling short of complete independence. The new situation is regarded as a direct result of the Labour Cabinet’s policy in the Middle East.

The Cabinet includes Yassin Pasha who is closely identified with the Nationalists.

TREATY SIMILAR TO EGYPT’S. LONDON, Sept, 29. The announcement as to Iraq from Baghdad has quickly followed the Daily Telegraph’s hint cabled yesterday morning. Its announcement takes the pvess .and country generally .by surprise, especially as it implies an abandonment of the mandate. No announcement of any such intention was made in London. No information was obtainable at the Colonial Office. General Jafar Pasha, the Iraq Minister, in the course of a statement, says that the significance of the new Coalition Cabinet in Iraq lies in the fact that the policy of the country in respect to its British relations remains unchanged. ■ All sections of Iraq’s population, without distinction of party, want the mandate replaced by a treaty of friendship, leaving Iraq free to develop her own resources and particularly her own defence. The Morning Post says that it is expected that the new treaty will be on the lines of the new treaty with Egypt- ______