Britain Promised, But—

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 330, 11 January 1937, Page 6

Britain Promised, But—

FRIENDLY SHEIKH LET DOWN IN HOUR OF NEED ’ LONDON. Years ago Britain let one of her wartime friends down; we promised hi in good support and protection, but in the hour of need we were unable to fulfil that promise. Once he advanced us 50,000 rupees (about £3,500) to build a new consulate. Now we have repaid that money, not. on contract but merely on sentimental grounds. The story is told in an unromantie Blue Book, which records also the words of Sir Frederick Butler before the Committee of Public Accounts. Our friend, down and out after many adventures, was '‘dreadfully in need u. money/’ said Sir Frederick. "We reir as a matter of grace to him we should let him have the money back. The Treasury agreed; the Indian Government paid it, and we went halves. “There/is nothing to show for the money except some foundations which are now useless. It is indefensible as a matter of contract, but it was done simply on that ground of sentiment.” The hero of the story is the Sheikh of Mohammerah, who was seized and carried off to Teheran, shorn of his ter ritorres and most of his revenues. The cash was advanced for a consulate at Ahwar, his capital.