Papers of the Mesopotamian Administration (later Middle East) Committee [‎14r] (27/80)

who was conversant with the people and had wide exx>erience of
their peculiarities.
Sir Percy Cox had suggested that in future he should corres
pond direct with the India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. . He was disposed to favour
the adoption of this suggestion.
THE 0 HA I ELIAN pointed out that Sir Percy Cox had itade a more
important proposal, and that was that, in order to strengthen his
hands, he should he appointed High Commissioner* Sir Percy had
intimated that he did not think that the Army Commander would
raise any serious objections. If that were the fact, Sir Percy
should he given an appropriate status*
MH. CHAMBERLAIN thought that it was very necessary to find
out what was actually happening. This was only possible if
Sir Percy were placed in direct communication with his Department*
LOKD MILNER suggested that climatic conditions, which at
the present time of year were almost insupportable, might afford
a clue to the recont accentuated differences of opinion.
THE CHAIRMAN thought that it was desirable to strengthen
the hands of the political officer. His position must be con
solidated, and, as time went on, his powers extended, and there
was danger of losing ground in this direction* Ho referred to
a telegram that had been received from Mr* Storrs, who, he under
stood, was reputed to be a very capable official*
LORD HARDINGE suggested that the Administration of
Mesopotamia should be made analogous to that obtaining in Egypt -
in other words, that martial law should prevail and that Sir
Percy should bo appointed High Commissioner.
LORD MILNER said that, though their experience of this
form of administration in Egypt extended over two years, there
were certain difficulties in tho way, and it was necessary to
proceed deliberately and with caution.
THE CHAIRMAN asked whether the Committeo thought there was
any objection to Cox T s being appointed Provisional High Com
missioner* Would the adoption of this suggestion make the
position of His Majesty 1 s Government more difficult if, at a
Peace Conference, they had to agree to evacuate Baghdad?
MR* CHAMBERLAIN referred to tho decisions of the Hague
Conference and thought it was doubtful whether any annexations
during the War were permissible and would be generally recognised.
LQxRD HARDINGE state! that, in subscribing to the decisions
of that Conference, we had accepted certain obligations which
bound us during the prosont War.
THE CHAIRMAN submitted that the Committee might accept
his suggestion that Cox should be appointed provisional ’ High
Commissioner and that they should record their opinion that it was
undesirable that he should leave his post at the present
juncture in order to go to India to confer with the Viceroy.