The question of the Baghdad railway has been very prominent
during the week, owing first to rumours of an agreement, and secondly to Sir Edward Grey's guarded but
very firm statement in regard to British rights and interests made in the Commons on Wednesday. On Friday the Daily Mail gave prominence to a statement that the Turkish Government has submitted specific proposals, and that these proposals are now under the consideration of His Majesty's Government and may prove a solution of tin problem. In these columns we have never opposed the construction of the Baghdad railway as a railway, for we hold that no railway can be made in any part of the world without indirectly benefiting British trade. W hat we did oppose was the notion of a British official invitation being given to investors to put their money into a particular scheme. We not only held that the precedent was most dangerous, but that it was very doubtful whether under the old regime Turkish interests had been properly respected in the matter of the concession. The revolution in Turkey and the introduction of Constitutional government have, however, changed the whole situation. As friends of Turkey we hold that the British Government when approached by Turkey directly should do everything they can to assist the develop- ment of Turkey's internal resources, provided, of course, that essential British interests are not imperilled. We want to see Turkey strong and prosperous and independent. It is therefore very greatly to be hoped that " a way out " will be discovered. We are most anxious that in seeking a solution the British Government should exhibit that friendliness towards the new regime in Turkey which is felt by the British people.
