Coll 17/16(1) 'Iraq. The Assyrian Crisis' [‎351v] (713/1036)

4
the Mar Shimun will give an assurance that he does not claim th •
exercise powers similar to those of an administrative official of t^ 1 ^
Government in his dealings with the Assyrians. This is a perfectly r Ira ^
demand. The Mar Shimun promised to give his reasons in writing foS^ 16
with the Government’s policy. Although this was over a 8 m T e ^
Major Thomson had heard nothing from the Patriarch, and in the m ¥°'
he has done nothing to facilitate the settlement, and is still in disa^eenwA
the Government in Bagdad on the question of his personal position if
Mar Shimun really understands the decision of the League and the re 1 ^
the Iraqi Government, and if he has the welfare of the Assyrians really TT ° f
he should instruct his maliks to co-operate with Major Thomson The 1 ^
policy of “ wait and see ” will only end in alienating the sympathies of the^i]
from the cause of the Assyrian people. Worl(1
If the maliks consider the presence of the Mar Shimun to be essential th
should use all their influence to urge him to comply with the Government’s wish ‘
Major Thomson was there to help the Assyrians, and if his advice was nr
taken it is their responsibility. This was their last chance. They must makeu
their minds once and for all to settle in Iraq. No other country will offer better
terms.
As regards method of settlement, Major Thomson will endeavour, in so far a?
is possible, to arrange for the settlement of each village by members of the same
tribe. Very few applications for land registration have come in. Remember that
when the time comes for settlement it will be a case of first come first served
Therefore, register without delay. Those who live in unhealthy villages will be
considered when the landless have been provided for. But those who already have
employment in Bagdad or elsewhere and apply for land to be worked by others
will not be considered until those who work their own holdings have been
dealt with.
Various areas will be considered for settlement—Dashtazai, Champaishai
and Gaz Fakdah. The Iraqi Government has voted 13.000 dinars. The comments
of the Assyrian leaders on these places will be welcome, and Major Thomson will
always be ready to receive any Assyrian and explain points on which there may
be any difficulty or doubt. The Iraqi Government desires to help the Assyrians
in every way possible, and in Colonel Stafford and himself they have two
absolutely fair and impartial helpers.
Enclosure 3 in No. 1.
Mr. Ogilvie-Forbes to Prime Minister of Iraq.
My dear Prime Minister, July 17,1933.
l"OUR Excellency may remember that, when we were discussing the subject
of the Mar Shimun on the 3rd July, I informed you that I would probably have
to convey to you a message from His Majesty’s Government in the Uuteo
Kingdom in the sense of restoring to the Assyrian Patriarch his freedom ot
movement. r< ,
His Majesty’s Government, in conjunction with His Majesty King Feisa
and your Cabinet colleagues at present in Great Britain, have been giving J
matter their most careful consideration. In order that the Iraqi Governmen
should be under no misapprehension as to their views, I have been insl^
state that they are definitely of opinion that, great though the internal uitncu m
may be, the objections to detaining the Mar Shimun in Bagdad against 1 $
are still greater because of the adverse criticism in Europe which theiopua
of the Iraqi Government will incur. This view is also shared by His - aj .
King Feisal and the Iraqi Ministers at present in London. , -jj
His Majesty’s Government therefore hope that the Iraqi Gmernme ^
see their way to relieving the Mar Shimun of any impression that his 1 .
movement is being restricted.
Yours sincerely, .^rmrc;
G. OGILVIE-FORBEK