§ 25. Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any recent information regarding the treatment of Christians in Iraq?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes, Sir. There is no reason to suppose that the various Christian communities in Iraq are not receiving sympathetic and equitable treatment from the Iraq Government. I am aware that allegations to the contrary have recently appeared. Inquiry was made of the High Commissioner who was in England and of the officer acting for him, and as a result my Noble Friend is satisfied that the charges made against the Government of Iraq were not well founded.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEAre we to understand that the treatment of the Assyrian Christians is now satisfactory?
§ Dr. SHIELSI have read all the reports and papers on this subject, and I am satisfied that what is stated in my reply gives a very fair and reasonable 416 account of the position, but I would be very glad if the hon. Member would communicate to me any instances of alleged ill-treatment that have come to his notice, so that I can have inquiry made.