File 301/1921 'MESOPOTAMIA: INTELLIGENCE REPORTS' [‎283v] (579/586)

And this is irrespective of the nation’s disapproval of those individuals
to whom posts will be allotted, or its love for them, and of the question as to
whether such organisations will delay the restoration of peace or expedite it.
In order to prevent the excitement which has ensued and which will
ensue, and feeling pity for people’s feet and soles, and with a view to pre
serving petrol, we consider that it is advisable to avoid any provisional
arrangement, so that the nation may not labour under suspicion and mis
understanding which might lead to regrettable events. Seeing that the
nation has felt sure that the Government will carry out its promises at the
first opportunity, it is not advisable that this confidence should be dispelled
by a project which is of no advantage but entails the expenditure of large
sums by those who enjoy high posts at present. The nation which has borne
tlie bitterness of waiting for a number of years will not dislike waiting for
a few months, especially if it believes that the result of its patience will be
real success.
And it is not desirable that this short time should pass uselessly, but it
should be devoted to preparing the way for the elections and framing the
necessary proposals for the future Government, so that action may be taken
w'thout delay for carrying out the elections as soon as order is restored.
This is the principal opinion of the public and its wishes with regard to
the provisional Government; and though it does not please a few persons, yet
it meets with public satisfaction. We represent it to those in authority" so
that all may know the trend of public opinion and select what is good.
Extracts from the Lisan al Arab 'published in Damascus by Ibrahim al HU.
mi.
^ Ao. 29, dated 6th October, 1920, contains an article under the heading
Fresh reports from ‘Iraq ”. It states that the British Government decided
to arrest “ the great champion of ‘Iraq,” Yusuf Suwaidi, who was famous
for his moderation in opposing the policy pursued by young politicians who
had learned administration in India, on the pretext that he had instigated
the murder of Colonel Leachman by the Zoba‘. Yusuf fled at night and his
son ‘Arif, one of the graduates of the Law School in '"Constanti
nople and teacher of Islamic Jurisprudence in the Law School of Baghdad
was arrested. It was intended to deport him to India but the peaceful de
monstration held in Baghdad prevented this. The Champion of ‘Iraq has
raised an army which is being led by old officers and this has occupied several
points between Baghdad and Euphrates. The forces include Shaikh Dhari’s
party, which consists of 500 horses, TOO dromedaries and 1,000 camels. This
incident shows that the English have not accorded good treatment to one
wfio is nearer to a good understanding than others, and that, had not the
conditions m Iraq reached a stage which exhausted patience, it would not
• 1 ave become necessary lor a man who has attained TO years> of age to unde”-
take the troublesome journey. “ We do not know how England can win
tee iiearts of the Iraqis m the face of such circumstances ”.
The same issue contains an article about Ja‘far Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. Al ‘Askari and
states that on his way to Basrah and Baghdad to form a national Government,
5 n j i rC /,i° x T1 tl,e 1 t J f far Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. and invited him to accompany him to Bagh-
dad, but the Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. begged to be excused for reasons which he explained to
V 11 | f l( v i *1 X j, i 16 Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , subsequently, received a long telegram from
when bo L r- iedly ' .f e 18 ex P ected at Baghdad within a fortnight,
p ' , pai Kipa L e with many notables of ‘Iraq in forming a new
Government which may be the prelude to the welfare of the country.
is o'oirh^ dated ^9th October, 1920 , publishes an article entitled “What
b ° ng 011 m 1 Ira 9; It states that the English have claimed in their official
of thTOTesenVrV ^ U) ‘'j ° f an ^ ehy and Pander has been the greatest cause
neered hv SU ¥i ln ‘ lra< P wh \ le ^ circles in Europe! say that it is engi-
uaner oublihP« ° + - by . the TTirks - In order to dispel this doubt, the
EsthaftW^^ insurgents (at Najaf). This
and that the f n n n Sk ° nS111 t° r the rebellion rests with the British authorities
selves^and^their^eountrya— 1 ^ 1 ° nS ld ^ ° bserved by tllose who defeild them '
(1) Independence should be the war-cry in all battle-fields.
_) Bonds .Tumid be kept secure and communication maintained between
the centres of rebellion in ‘Iraq.
^ ( m ei ir miS ^ ex l ) tai n to his followers that the object of the pre
sent rebellion is to obtain independence.
^ S, | U '" 1 I(! ke adhered to, movements duly organised, and
there should be no murder and plunder.
(o) Due attention must be paid to prisoners, whether officers, English
(6) J o is Paiments and telephones must be preserved, but the
ist be cut in order to interrupt British communications.
I