OK, along with their culture, dignity etc, we're now about to take the weapons of the Iraqi people . . . those of small destruction, of course. We can find those.

BAGHDAD, May 20 — Iraqi citizens will be required to turn over automatic weapons and heavy weapons under a proclamation that allied authorities plan to issue this week, allied officials said today.

The aim of the proclamation is to help stabilize Iraq by confiscating the huge supply of AK-47's, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons that are used by criminal gangs, paramilitary groups and remnants of the Saddam Hussein government.

Iraqis who refuse to comply with the edict will be subject to arrest. Only Iraqis authorized to use military-type weapons because of their police or military duties will be exempt.

The aim of such a thing is somewhat understandable, yes. But this is a proclamation? Weren't Queen Victoria and Lord Lytton into proclamations? Sigh.