23 JUNE 1928, Page 18

In his preface to Sir Arnold Wilson's scholarly Persian Gulf

(Clarendon Press, 12s. fid.), Mr. Amery strikes an optimistic note, which is accentuated in the book itself. It is a page of history of which we may be proud. Our influence in the Gulf has been built up by private individuals whose graves are to be found in many a desolate spot. For three hundred years, ever since the East India Company started to open up trade with Persia, we have suppressed slavery and piracy, kept peace between warlike tribes, policed the waters, bat lighthouses, laid down buoys and cables. Sir Arnold is an authority on the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia. The book possesses a good index, a useful bibliography, and a summary of scientific research. It is well illustrated.

* * * *