P F Tinmore; toastman;
et al,
An opposing view.
Well, what specific rights are you talking about ?
Certain communities formerly belonging to the Turkish Empire have reached a stage of development where their existence as independent nations can be provisionally recognized subject to the rendering of administrative advice and assistance by a Mandatory until such time as they are able to stand alone.
Britain made no effort to fulfill this obligation.
(COMMENT)
There is a grave unspoken set of terms missing here. When Article 22 speaks, it was not just speaking about the undefined Palestine. It was speaking about several tribal areas that were relinquished or placed under Mandate or Protection. While there were several Mandatories appointed in those years, four Empires having fell in rapid succession, the UK was just one such Mandatory with a lot on its plate.
- BAHRAIN: Independence: 15 August 1971 from the UK protectorate status
- EGYPT: Independence: 28 February 1922 from UK protectorate status;
- IRAQ: Independence: 3 October 1932 from LoN British administration;
- JORDAN: Independence: 25 May 1946 from LoN British administration;
- KUWAIT: Independence: 19 June 1961 from the UK protectorate status;
- QATAR: Independence: 3 September 1971 from the UK protectorate status;
- SUDAN: Independent 1 January 1956 from Egypt and the UK protectorate status;
- SOUTH YEMEN: Independent on 30 November 1967 from the UK protectorate status;
This does not include the French Mandates and Protectors
[examples: Lebanon (Independence: 22 November 1943) and Syria (Independence: 17 April 1946) from LoN French administration)].
Yes, their can be provisional recognition. But it is all too clear that in much of the Middle East, independence was granted too soon to many of the countries; they simply were not ready to stand alone. No region in the world has been subject to as much turmoil for as long a period, in a continuous state of hostility since the close of WWII.
But to say that the British did not try or made no effort, flys in the face of reality. Just because the undefined Palestinians did not get everything they wanted, is not evidence that the UK didn't try to exercise due diligence.
(Contrary to popular belief, there is more to the world and the region than just the undefined Palestinian.) At some point the people called Palestinians have to look at themselves in the mirror and give an honest assessment of their conduct and responsibilities in what has transpired; and leave their "self victimization baggage" at home.
