Coll 17/10(1) 'Internal: political situation; relations with HMG' [‎341r] (686/982)

THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT
EASTERN (Iraq).
CONFIDENTIAL.
January 14, 1935.
Section 1.
[E 278/278/93] No. 1.
Sir F. Humphrys to Sir John Simon.-—{Received January 14.)
(No. 3.)
Sir, Bagdad, Januai^y 3, 1935.
WITH reference to my despatch No. 701 of the 12th December last, relative
to the recent general elections, I have the honour to report that His Majesty King
Ghazi opened the new Parliament on the 29th December.
2. The speech from the Throne, a translation of which is enclosed here
with, ( x ) contained no surprises. Touching first on foreign affairs, His Majesty
referred to the frontier dispute with Persia and reaffirmed the willingness of
his Government to enter into direct negotiations with the Persian Government
if the latter so desired.
3. His Majesty then mentioned the important financial institutions which
the Government were planning to set up—an allusion to the schemes for the
establishment of Central and Agricultural Banks which, as you are aware, are
at present occupying the attention of the Ministry of Finance. He also fore
shadowed further amendments to the Capital Works Law. I am unaware of
the nature of these amendments, but will make the necessary enquiries.
4 The reference in the speech to the “ proposals for the improvement of
existing judicial institutions” probably indicates a desire on the part of the
Government to examine further the possibility of reorganising the Civil Courts
of Appeal.on the lines of the proposals discussed m my despatch No. 660 ot
the 10th November last. Your comments on these proposals have been communi
cated to the Minister of Justice, who is now aware that, before any change can
be effected in the existing system,, the consent of the Council of the league will
have to be forthcoming. The Adviser to the Ministry of Justice has promised
to keen me informed of any developments in this matter.
5 Referring to the Government’s educational programme His Majesty
made special mention of the necessity for an increase m ^PonYr sSof’s
schools and in technical education. I have already reported on Dr. buedhot s
recommendations in regard to the latter and on the Sat it
of Education are contemplating m order to give f P' in the number of
is the intention of the Government to bring about an mcrea^ “ toe numb ^
primary schools with a emploving the ensmng savings in
.p«;g .1 ..w J. ?»«*.. a. »...«*
opening of both Houses^ Spy^Khoia was chosen by an almost unanimous vote
the Upper House, and Rashid-al-Khoja . - j cons ider, satisfactory,
to be President of the .,UUYied^o o'relt/r accord’within the Cabinet if as
although it might possibly have led to g p res i dent of the Chamber,
at one time seemed likely, Jamil Mad e
and Jafar Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. had become Minister of Demnc^^ of Mg olose personal
7. I learn privately that Yasm ^ a ; • ■ their &eats to take up active
followers in the Chamber are thinking pU er grounds on which they
opposition to the Government oRtm/U supposed that they will choose
will do so have not yet been dead , 0 test either against the policy of
or create an opportunity for re . slgn ^^ A e Elections were conducted. You will
the Government or the manner m which the e ^ in 1931, but achieved
recall that Yasin Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. carried out a similar manoe
very little thereby. possibility with confidence am.
The Cabinet are at present facg P trusting in the support
and have agreed to close their ranks and earn ,
(p Not printed.
courage
306 o—l]