Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 26 November 1931, Page 4

In about twelve months’ time—to oe I accurate, in September, 1932—Britain-, will relinquish her mandate in Iraq, and King Feisal will assume uncontrolled authority over his domains. Niow it should not be forgotten that, when the Arabs came into the Great •War to help the Allies against the Turks, a definite promise was given that a great Arab kingdom was to *e set up, including Syria, Arabia a net Mesopotamia, under the rule of the house of Hussein, the Grand Shereef of Mecca. But, unfortunately, France and Britairi also arranged, by a more or less secret pact, that Syria should be treated a s a- French sphere of influence after the war. In spite of the efforts of Colonel Lawrence and others who had pledged themselves to the Arabs, Britain’s promise was not fulfilled. France was given a mandate over Syria, and the Arabs bad to be content with the new kingdom of Iraq (composed mostly of Mesopotamia), to be ruled by Feisal, Hussein’s son. The Arabs have always resented this compromise, and they feel bitterly tV failure of the Western Powers to redeem their pledge and give them a chance to revive the ancient Arab glories of Damascus. But now France an opportunity of readjusting the situation in a way that may satisfy the Arabs and promote French interests as well. It is suggested at Paris that, when Britain relinquishes- her mandate over Iraq, France should resign the Syrian mandate as we 1 1, and allow the Arabs to set up a grant Arab Stalte, including Syria. Feisal would remove his capital from Baghdad to Damascus, and the Arab dream of a great Mohammedan empire would at last como true. Of course, the Arabs would look to France a# their natural champion

and protector, and French presrfcige would be enhanced correspondingly throughout the East. In justice vo France, it should be remembered that in 1926, after the so-called “Syrian revolt’’ had been suppressed, the French offered to commute their mandate for a thirty years treaty with a new Syria controlled by a National Government. The Syrians rejected this proposal, but there is much better hope for the plan that I have attempted to describe, and if it is carried into effect it will certainly improve the prospects of France and promote the advance of Western civilisation in the Middle East.