Coll 17/10(1) 'Internal: political situation; relations with HMG' [‎422v] (849/982)

bv the new Government. The result was that the nation gave the members
assembled here its confidence, and we hope that you will prove worthy of the
nation’s trust^en it is & source of gre at satisfaction to us to be able to say
tw our relations with foreign countries—and especially’ with those who are
our^neighbours—are very cordial. Our Government is doing its best to
strengthen the ties of friendship with them.
‘‘We have welcomed with the greatest pleasure the invitation extended
to us by His Majesty King George to visit His Majesty next summer This
invitation which is the result of the conclusion of a treaty of alliance between
our two countries, is another proof of the bonds of friendship which unite us.
“ Although our relations with Persia are very cordial, they have been
formally set forth only in a temporary treaty which was concluded on the
11th August 1929, and subsequently prolonged for a further period of six
months ° As both nations wish to have a more permanent form of treaty,
negotiations are expected to begin shortly between our diplomatic representa
tives for the conclusion of a treaty, which is really essential to the interests of
both nations. We have complete confidence that the negotiations will result
in a satisfactory agreement and complete understanding between us
“ The new status attained by our country when it became independent
made it necessary that we should increase our diplomatic representation
abroad, and our Government is doing its best to effect such an increase so far
as its financial resources permit. . ^
t£ The economic crisis which is being experienced throughout the world
has affected our country, but fortunately we are not suffering so severely as
others. We are glad to be able to say that there are signs of an improvement
in the near future The Government is trying to submit to Parliament a
balanced budget. .
£ ‘ You all know the law for the five-year construction plan, which was
passed in 1931. Among the important schemes included in this plan was the
Habbaniyah escape, the tenders for which are now being examined. It is
also intended to carry out the Gharraf scheme. The Government now intends
to revise the five-year law with a view to including in the programme some
important projects such as the Yagara, the Qizil Itobat, and the Ishaki
schemes.
££ One of the most important questions which will be studied by the
Government is the strengthening of the army. I have no doubt that you will
give this question your serious attention when it is submitted to you.
££ The Government is doing its best to improve the state of education,
administration, and justice throughout the land, and we hope that you will
give Ministers all the assistance in your power to forward these important
ends. We are confident that you will examine such problems wdth wisdom
and foresight. In conclusion, we wish that all your endeavours will be
crowned with success.”
At the close of the Speech from the Throne there was loud applause, and His
Majesty then left the Chamber accompanied by the Amir Ghazi and the Court
officials. The Senators left the Chamber to hold their own meeting. The Deputies
were then called upon to take the oath.
The election of the President of the new Chamber followed. Of eight-four
Deputies who attended the session, seventy-two voted for his Excellency Jamil
Beg A1 Midfai (the previous President), who was thereupon declared re-elected.
Salman Beg Barrak was re-elected Vice-President.
The Chamber of Deputies then adjourned until Saturday.