HC Deb 21 March 1917 vol 91 cc1902-4

The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Mr. DEVLIN:

52. To ask the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the Proclamation of Sir Stanley Maude to the people of Baghdad vilayet, stating that the people of Baghdad are not to understand that it is the wish of the British Government to impose upon them alien institutions; that it is the hope of the British Government that the aspirations of the philosophers and writers shall be realised, and that the people of Baghdad shall flourish, enjoying their wealth and substance under institutions which are in consonance with their sacred laws and their racial ideals; that it is the desire of the British people and the nations in alliance with them that the Arab race may rise once more to greatness and renown amongst the peoples of the earth, and that it shall bind itself together in unity and concord, and stating that there can be neither peace or prosperity where there is enmity and misgovernment; and whether the Government are prepared to do immediately for Ireland what Sir Stanley Maude has been authorised to proclaim they are resolved to do for the people of Baghdad and the whole Arab race.

Mr. DEVLIN

Before I put this question, may I call attention to the fact that this Proclamation which I have quoted in my question has been considerably subedited at the Table, and that sonic of the most beautiful and striking passages have been deleted. I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether you can see your way to allow me to ask a question as I handed it in, and read the Proclamation to the House?

Mr. SPEAKER

It is for that very purpose that I edited it myself. I am afraid it contained a great deal of Oriental and flowery language not suitable to our Western climate.

Mr. DEVLIN

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I point out that the passages that have been struck out have not been the beautiful Oriental ideas, but the modern political sagacity with which we want this House to be guided in relation to Ireland?

Mr. SPEAKER

I endeavoured to keep all the best points.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will you make this concession as a compromise? Would you allow me to read one short passage at the end of the Proclamation which I think it is very important should be pressed upon the Government in view of the fact that they are at the present time considering the settlement of the Irish question. The passage is this: O! people of Baghdad, remember that for Twenty-six generations you have suffered under strange tyrants who have ever endeavoured to set one Arab against another in order that they may profit by their dissension I would like to add that passage to those passages in the question, and perhaps the Leader of the House, with his usual promptitude and quickness will be able to answer the question as a whole.

Mr. PETO

May I ask whether there is any analogy whatever between—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must not take things too seriously.

Mr. BONAR LAW

The last paragraph which the hon. Member has read makes no change in the answer which I am going to give and which I regret to say contains no beautiful passages either Oriental or otherwise. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the last part I can add nothing to the statement made by the Prime Minister on the subject.

Mr. DEVLIN

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the historic character of this document, he will issue it as a White Paper to the Members of the House of Commons?

Mr. BONAR LAW

There is no objection to that course except the cost, and I will consider it.

Mr. DEVLIN

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that a Proclamation made under circumstances of so historic a character, in view of the great triumph of the Allied cause, should not be issued to hon. Members on a mere question of cost, especially in view of the number of useless officials now being employed by the Cabinet?

Mr. S. MacNEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Sir Stanley Maude is an Irishman and was probably thinking of the Irish situation?

Sir HENRY DALZIEL

Was this Proclamation not written by an hon. Member of this House and telegraphed?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am well aware that Sir Stanley Maude is an Irishman, but I hope he was thinking of something else when he was leading his troops into Bagdad. The Proclamation was not the work of any single individual, but was passed by the Government.

Mr. DEVLIN

Is it not possible that he was thinking of the cause of universal liberty for all nations?