10 The Abu Sukhair qadha of the Diwaniya liwa was infected on 13th September by persons from the Amara liwa going to t Shamiya for work in the rice fields and evading the police, patrols by night. The infection, having entered the marshes from the Hammar and Chubaish area, advanced northwards through the Majirs, and on 25th October reached the Hai in the Kut liwa. Further extension north of Kumait, the Amara liwa and the Hai on the Tigris, and north of Abu Sukhair on the Euphrates, was fortunately prevented so that the infection was stopped at over 100 miles from Baghdad. One imported case occurred on 11th November in Baghdad City -a soldier who brought the infection from Basra. No further case occurred. The Diwaniya liwa had its last case on 25th October, the Kut liwa on 1st November, the Basra liwa on 11th November, the Muntafiq liwa on 30th November, and the last cases in the country occurred in the Amara liwa near Qala Sale on 17th December. The whole of 'Iraq was therefore declared free of infection on 31st December, 1931, and all internal restrictions were removed. Altogether 842,865 persons were inoculated in 'Iraq during the outbreak. The following table gives the figures of cases, deaths, and inoculations in each liwa : one of our national aims. It is unnecessary for us to remind you that the country is passing through a most important phase of its political life which calls for solidarity and co operation between our Government and our people and the dis charge by both of their duties and responsibilities. We remind you of our speech delivered to the deputation of our people at the time of our return to the capital of our Kingdom and especially recall our advice to the leaders of the nation to work to strengthen the spirit of patriotism and to explain to the public the true position of the country and the progress which it has achieved. “Our relations with foreign States are as friendly as could be desired. We visited last summer His Excellency the President of the Turkish Republic and this visit impressed us most favourably. The friendliness and affection with which His Excellency the President and the Turkish people received and welcomed us are eloquent proof of the strong affection and esteem linking the two neighbouring countries. “During my recent tour in Europe I was able to notice the effect which has been made by our political development and the rapid strides which we have been making forward. The name of 'Iraq is now frequently heard in diplomatic and political circles and events in 'Iraq are watched with interest and attention in connexion with affairs in the Near East. “The treaties of friendship and bon voisinage and extradition which were concluded with Trans-Jordan and Nejd last spring have strengthened the friendly relations which happily exist between our country and these States. These instruments will also prove strong factors in the maintenance of peace on the border “It is a cause of great happiness to us that the links of affection and esteem between us and our neighbour Persia grow stronger daily. The mutual and sincere co-operation practised by both Governments in the interests of real under standing on all matters touching their mutual interests is a happy augury. “Our Government is giving attention to the conclusion of a treaty with Persia and with Turkey to regulate commerce and to establish a firm foundation in all matters touching neigh bourly relations. These treaties will be submitted to you dur ing this Session. “ Gentlemen! The economic crisis prevailing at present calls for close attention. It is to be regretted that this crisis is not an internal matter such as can be dealt with easily, but it is the direct result of the economic crisis from the evil effects of which the whole world is suffering. Still, we hope that it will not continue for long and that every one in this country will do all that lies within his power to dispel this crisis by energy and economy. Liwa. Date of 1st infection. Date of last case. Number of cases. Number of deaths. Number of inoculations. 1,249 669 399 295 497 11th Nov. 17th Dec. 30th Nov. 25th Oct. 1st Nov. 11th Nov. Basra 28th July Amara ... 22nd Aug. Muntafiq 27th Aug. Diwaniya 13th Sept. Kut 25th Oct. *Baghdad 11th Nov. Rest of 'Iraq ... Whole Country ... 28th July 686 108 20 74 231,000 111,300 151,200 149,400 79,700 10,475 109,890 14 17th Dec. 2,463 1,549 842,965 * Imported from Basra. 7.-The Seventh Ordinary Session of Parliament. The seventh ordinary session of Parliament was opened by the King on 1st November. The following is a translation of the Speech from the Throne : “In the name of God we open Parliament welcoming you and wishing all success in your meetings and deliberations. The question of the entry of 'Iraq into the League of Nations as an independent State is progressing most satisfactorily. In view of our information regarding the attitude of the members of the Permanent Mandates Commission towards this country we are filled with hope for the success of our cause which is
