خارجي ٤٣/٥٠٥٠ "إنشاء مركز عربي في الشرق الأوسط لتزويد موظفين بريطانيين منتقين بمعلومات عن اللغة العربية، والبلدان العربية ومشكلات الشرق الأوسط" [ظ‎‎٩‎١] (١٩٠/١٨٢)

X
be
students would be attached for a period to diplomatic or
political organisations in the Middle Kast, returning
thereafter to the Centre to resume their language studies and,
perhaps, specialise on the problems of some one country. It
is hoped, therefore, to produce some fifteen to twenty officers
per year with at least a working knowledge both of the language
and the general conditions of the Arabic speaking countries in
the Middle East. 7
8 . The choice of the Head of the Centre is of importance
and it is proposed to appoint, with local rank or Colonel,
r * ^ local Lieut. Colonel) Bertram Thomas, subject to the consent
of the Government of India and Ministry of Information.
Mr. Thomas, in addition to being a notable expert on Arab
affairs, has a first hand knowledge of ail the Arabic speaking
countries in the Middle T Cast and, in aduition, the necessary
academic background. He is enthusiastic about the scheme, a
most essential point, and his name ana reputation should enable
him to exercise that influence on students which will be necessary
9. A small staff will be required consisting as far as Can b
forecast at the moment of an Assistant, three Instructors in
Arabic, Bursar, clerks, servants, etc. It has not been possible
so far to prepare a detailed budget with any accuracy, but two
approximate estimates are attached to this note at Appendix ’’A”.
The first of these is based on the assumption that it is possible
and advisable for the students- to live out with Arabic speaking
families* The second.on the assumption that they will live in
a central hostel. The figures quoted are liable to considerable
correction, either up or down.
It will be seen that in the first estimate the cost of
the first year will be in the neighbourhood of £10,600 and in the
second estimate £14,700.
10. The location of the Centre is yet to be uecided. The
ideal place would undoubtedly be either Damascus or Beirut, but
it is realised that objections on the part of the French may make
this out of the question. The possibility is, nevertheless,
being explored. Failing one of these two places the most
suitable location will probably be in Palestine.
11 . T consider the scheme of great value; it has tne approval
in principle of the Heads of all Diplomatic Missions concerned in
the Middle ;.ast as well as of the High Commissioner Palestine and
the Commander-in-Chief, and I would be grateful if very early
approval may be &iven to proceed with the scheaie on the above
lines.
finitialled). R.G.C.