2 SEPTEMBER 1922, Page 2

On the other hand, the authority of King Feisul is

said to be waning, owing partly to his most unfortunate illness at a critical moment. The Government has been in the hands of the inevitable backstair politicians of every Eastern Court and has become extremely unpopular. Russian and Turkish in- fluences are said to be strong and the position of British officers and officials difficult. It must be remembered that the Mandate still costs us £8,000,000 and any grave disturbances would increase that sum enormously. But Sir Percy Cox has, perhaps, the greatest reputation of any of our administrators ; he may be trusted to deal with a most complicated and difficult situation if anyone can.