File 2182/1913 Pt 5 'Arabia Nejd: Policy Bin Saud' [‎322r] (219/308)

position of Aden to remain as it is ; on the west by the Red Sea, the
Mediterranean Sea op to Mersina. England to approve of the proclamation
of an Arab Caliphate of Islam.
Secondly .—The Arab Government of the Sherif to acknowledge that
England shall have the preference in all economic enterprises in the Arab
countries whenever conditions of enterprises are otherwise equal.
Thirdly .—For the security of this Arab independence and the certainty
of such preference of economic enterprises, both high contracting parties to
oiler mutual assistance to the best ability of their military and naval forces,
to face any foreign power which may attack either party. Peace not to be
decided without agreement of both parties.
Fourthly .—If one of the parties enters upon an aggressive conflict, the
other party to assume a neutral attitude, and in case of such party wishing
the other to join forces, both to meet and discuss the conditions.
Fifthly .— England to acknowledge the abolition of foreign privileges in
the Arab countries, and to assist the Government of the Sherif in an
international Convention for confirming such abolition.
Sixthly .—Articles 3 and 4 of this Treaty to remain in vigour for 15
years, and, if either wishes it to be renewed, one year’s notice before lapse
of treaty to be given.
Consequently, and as the whole of the Arab nation have (praise be to
God) agreed and united for the attainment, at all costs and finally, of this
noble object,, they beg the Government of Great Britain to answer them
positively or negatively in a period of 30 days after receiving this intimation ;
and if this period should lapse before they receive an answer, they reserve
to themselves complete freedom of action. Moreover we (JSherif’s family)
will consider ourselves free in word and deed from the bonds of our previous
declaration which we made through Ali
Undated and unsigned.
1).—From the High Commissioner, Cairo, to the Sherif Ilosayn (titles).
After compliments and salutations. We have the honour to thank you for
your frank expressions of the sincerity of your feeling towards England.
We rejoice moreover that Your Highness and your people are of one opinion,
that Arab interests are English interests and English Arab. To this intent
we confirm to you the terms of Lord Kitchener’s message, which reached
you by the hand of Ali Effendi, and in which was stated clearly our desire
for the independence of Arabia and its inhabitants, together with our
approval of the Arab Caliphate when it should be proclaimed. We declare
once more that His Majesty’s Government would welcome the resumption
of the Caliphate by an Arab of true race. With regard to the questions of
limits, frontiers and boundaries, it would appear to be premature to consume
our time in discussing such details in the heat of war, and while, in many
portions of them, the Turk is up to now in effective occupation ; especially
as we have learnt, with surprise and regret, that some of the Arabs in those
very parts, far from assisting us, are neglecting this their supreme oppor
tunity, and are lending their arms to the German and the Turk, to the new
despoiler and the old oppressor.
Nevertheless we are ready to send to Your Highness for the Holy Cities
and the noble Arabs the charitable offerings of Egypt, so soon as Your
Highness shall inform us how and where they should be delivered. We are
moreover arranging for this your messenger to be admitted and helped on
any journey he may make to ourselves.
Friendly reassurances. Salutations.
(Signed) Sir A. II. McMahon.
(Apparently dated 30th August 1915.)
Our lust messenger, cide correspondence.