THE LAW OF COMPULSORY CONSCRIPTION IN THE DISCUSSIONS OF THE IRAQI PARLIAMENT, 1925-1935

Abstract

The idea of establishing an Iraqi army was paid attention to at the Cairo Conference as the British High Commissioner Percy Cox put it forward. Cox foresaw the volunteer system as an acceptable concept consistent with his perspectives in forming army, guaranteeing Britain's military and political control. Accordingly, Iraq would constantly remain tied to the British military aid. After the formation of the Kingdom of Iraq in 1921, the successive Iraqi governments proceeded to apply the compulsory recruitment law. Indeed, this took a wide range of debates in the House of Representatives so as to consider defending the country as a national duty for the people of the Kingdom to carry out. However, this call was met with a strong rejection by many who were loyal to Britain; they indicated that this law would create a strong army, endangering the Britain's authority and privileges. The House of Representatives, ignoring such calls, recommended the implementation of this regulation which was voted on at the 13th session of the fourth period held on January 13, 1934. Then, the Royal Decree was issued on June 12,1935, implementing the Compulsory recruitment under the law No. 9 in 1934.