§ 45. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Prime Minister if he is assured that the British officials at present occupying high administrative positions in Mesopotamia favour the Government policy of establishing there an Arab state; when Sir Percy Cox will return to Mesopotamia; and will he be instructed to facilitate the economic development of the country by promoting and encouraging local initiative in accordance with the Anglo-French Proclamation of November, 1918?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, Sir Percy Cox will return shortly to Mesopotamia, but the date is not fixed. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. LAMBERTDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the officials responsible for the administration in Mesopotamia are in favour of the Government policy?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWCertainly. I cannot say what men's individual opinions are. They are servants of the Government, and must carry out the Government's policy.
§ Mr. LAMBERTIs it not a fact that one distinguished official has published something quite contrary to the Government's policy, namely, the Proclamation of that area?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am not aware of that, and I should be glad if the right hon. Gentleman would give me particulars.
§ Mr. MILLSCan the right hon. Gentleman state how many of these persons are qualified by knowledge of Arabic?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not know the proportion. I know a great many are.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEAre the local officials in favour of what has been rumoured, namely, the appointment of a Sunni Chief from the Hedjaz to rule over an Arab State which consists mainly of Shiah Mohammedans?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe House, I am sure, knows that one of our main difficulties in Mesopotamia is the absence of unanimity as to the form of Arab State they want. That is one of our difficulties. We have been doing our best to overcome it.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhy not send Colonel Lawrence to Bagdad?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ROUNDELLWhy not send Colonel Wedgwood?