[FAISAL I OF IRAQ]: (1885-1933) King of Iraq 1921-33, previously King of the Arab Kingdom of Syria 1920. HUMPHRYS ...

[FAISAL I OF IRAQ]: (1885-1933) King of Iraq 1921-33, previously King of the Arab Kingdom of Syria 1920. HUMPHRYS FRANCIS (1879-1971) British Lieutenant-Colonel, colonial administrator and diplomat who served as High Commissioner in the Kingdom of Iraq 1929-32 and as the first British Ambassador to Iraq 1932-35 following the country's independence. A good T.L.S., Francis Humphrys, with holograph salutation and subscription, one page, 8vo, Baghdad, 21st September 1933, to Sir Ian Malcolm, on the printed stationery of the British Embassy. Humphrys states that he has conveyed Malcolm's message of sympathy to the new King Ghazi and continues 'King Faisal's death has indeed been a tragedy, as he has gone just at the time when he was most wanted by his country, and he leaves a wide gap which it seems impossible to fill', further remarking 'As time goes on people will realise more and more what a very important part he played in directing the activities of his government both in foreign and domestic affairs, and how valuable his political sagacity, moderation and foresight have always been to his Cabinet. I shall miss a very dear friend as well as a most versatile monarch'. A letter of fine content. VG Ian Malcolm (1868-1944) British politician who had been a member of the Balfour Mission in April-May 1917. King Faisal I of Iraq had died of a heart attack on 8th September 1933 in Switzerland at the age of 48. He was succeeded to the throne by his son Ghazi (1912-1939).