LORD RAGLANMy Lords, I wish to ask His Majesty's Government if they can give any information as to the situation in Mesopotamia.
THE DUKE OF SUTHERLANDMy Lords, negotiations are still in progress which it is hoped will lead to the conclusion of a satisfactory Treaty with the Iraq 1046 Government, but they have not yet reached a stage at which it is possible for me to give the House any definite information on the subject. Instructions dealing with various points still outstanding were sent to the High Commissioner as recently as last week. They will necessitate further discussions with the Iraq Government which are probably taking place at this moment, but of which there has not yet been time for a report to be transmitted to the Colonial Office. I am anxious to give the House all possible information as soon as I am in a position to do so, but your Lordships will realise that a premature announcement might prejudice the chances of a satisfactory settlement, and will, I am sure, agree with me that it would not be desirable to make a definite statement at the present stage.