'File 2/9 Anti-British propaganda' [‎209r] (422/748)

A
ORIENT ARA B E
agence de presse
39, RUE SOLI MAN P^CHA
TELEPHONE 56350
LE CAIRE
Z . .MU. •,
11 o • j y
M AL NAHAR” (Beirut)
24.12.38
(3 o^I aJ!
Here is the translation of an article sent to ’’Al Nahar" of
Beirut by its correspondent in Basrah. The article was published
on the 24.12.38*
11 On December 18th, Amir Ahmed El Jaber SI Sabbah pronounced
the annulment of the Kuwait Legislative Council set up in July by
the will of the people against his own authordtive Government.
14 of the best personalities and leaders of the nationalist movement
in Kuwait had been finally elected as members of the Legislative
Council. Despite the relatively short time of its existence the
Council succeeded in carrying out several reforms. The reasons of
the dissolution of the Council are not yet known but we can be sure
that the British had something to do with it. The Amir would not have
taken such an important step unless he was sure of their help. The
British did not like the Legislative Council and they particularly
desapproved of two reforms: one tending to form students missions i^
Kuwait which would be sent to Iraqi schools the other consisting in
the arrival in Kuwait of Iraki experts for administrative reorganization,
Kuwait populations show a strong desire to annex their country to
Iraq and the British are alarmed lest this annexion would happen, which
would be very much against their interests. The British preferred to
put an end to the amatter and promised their help to the Amir if he
pronounced the annulment of the Council.
As a preliminary step, the British Resident in Kuwait visited
Baghdad some times ago and conferred with the British Consul who had
previously met i. in Kuwait with the ^miir El Sabbah. British also showed
their ill-will when the Amir of Debi, on the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. was compelled
by the will of his subjects to form a Legislative Council. They asked
the Amir of Debi not to allow his Council the same rights as allowed
to that of Kuwait.
” We must also underline the intrigues of the men of ancient regime '
who were dispossessed of their privileges and always worked against
the Council.
M The general situation in Kuwait is peaceful. The popuxlation is
waiting td> see the developement of the events.”