File 53/1915 Part IV 'German War: Turkey; Caliphate etc' [‎199r] (394/481)

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Telegram P., dated the 27th (received 28th) November 1915.
From—The British High Commissioner of Egypt, Cairo,
To—His Excellency the Viceroy (Foreign and Political Department), Delhi.
Summary of reply from Sheriff of Mecca, dated November 5th received
here November 14th, is as follows. It was not sent you before by oversight.
Begins. Sheriff renounces interests in Adana Mersina but insists on retention
of Aleppo Bey rout Vilayets as purely Arab tracts.
He cannot abandon Irak for trading and economic reasons but in order to
facilitate (?) agreement and in consideration of guarantees offered by His
Majesty’s Government is prepared to “ leave for a short time under British
administration those districts now occupied by British troops against suitable
sum paid for period of occupation as compensation to Arab Kingdom ”
without prejudice subsequently to rights of either party. Actual agreement
made with Shaikhs to be respected.
As to immediate action Sheriff hesitates for fear of adverse opinion of
Moslems of opposite cam]) and still more lest Arabs may be left to face Turco-
German combination in the event of peace unfavourable to Entente. They
are ready for action once they are sure that His Majesty’s Government will
effectively support them.
As to British Administrative officials, His Majesty’s Government having
disclaimed all intention of internal interference, there is no need to mention
this (?) question. (iV. B .—Unless purposely vague Sheriff must be here
alluding only to Arabia.)
For himself Sheriff would prefer seclusion from all politics but is forced
by circumstances (?) to his present course of action. Ends.
It will be seen that reference to subsidies is in quite general terms.
33-A
2312
No. 2313 -W., dated Delhi, the 1st December 1915 (Confidential).
2314
Endorsed by Foreign and Political Department.
Army Depart-
A cony of the undermentioned papers is forwarded to the "Ge neral officer
*Political Pesi-
Commanding, F orce “ o~ , for information, in continuation of the endorsement by
dent, Aden
2082
the Foreign and Political Department, No. 2282 -W., dated the 25th November
0 22bS
1915.
2. It is requested that the papers forwarded be kindly treated as
extremely confidential.
Telegram to His Majesty's Secretary of State for India, No. D. S.-105, dated the 22nd
November 1915.
Teleoram from the High Commissioner, Egypt, dated the 24th November 1915.
Despatch from Mr. Milne Cheetham, Cairo, dated the 11th November 1915 (with
enclosures). '
Telegram from the High Commissioner, Egypt, dated the 25th November 1915.
Telegram from the High Commissioner, Egypt, dated the 2oth November 1915.
Telegram from the High Commissioner, Egypt, dated the 27th November 1915.
p_,-}ived on 2 Fc. • 1
INDIA FOREIGN P^.CRETARVS
Ho. 2
Letter.
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