File 53/1915 Part IV 'German War: Turkey; Caliphate etc' [‎200r] (396/481)

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I suggest reply to Sheriff on following lines, bearing above in mind
1. Acknowledge his exclusion from Arab sphere of Adana and Mersina.
0 2. Note with pleasure his assurance ^quoting his own words) that Arabs
are determined to act in accordance with precepts of Omar true early Khalifs
which secure the rights and privileges of both Christians and Moslems.
3. Agree that, with the exception of tracts around Aintab and Marash,
Vilayets of Aleppo Bey rout are inhabited by Arabs but in these vilayets
as elsewhere in Syria our Ally France has considerable interest to safe
guard which some special arrangements will be necessary and we cannot
say more now, as this is matter for French Government, than assure Sheriff of
our earnest wish that satisfactory settlement may be reached. (Some more
brief and definite statement is desirable now if French Government can be got
to agree to it.)
4. With regard to Vilayets of Baghdad and Basrah say some such arrange
ment as he suggests would provide suitable solution, i e-, that until such time
as a satisfactory mutual arrangement can be made, these vilayets, which have
been taken by us from Turks by force of arms, should remain under British
administration (Government of India may be able to suggest some better
formula. I should note that Sheriff and Arab party qs far as I can ascertain
their views recognise their inability to administer these vilayets and are content
to leave them in our hands but require formula that satisfies Arab sentiment.)
What they obviously most desire is some assurance of ours considering
question of a subsidy or quit rent.
5 Assure Sheriff that Great Britain has no intention to conclude peace,
in terms of which freedom of Arabs from Turkish domination does not form
essential condition. (Sole hope of successful understanding depends on some
assurance of-this nature. I would even suggest stronger assurance to the
effect that if Arabs play proper part in war we bind ourselves not to desert
them nor to conclude any peace, etc , as abo^e.)
6 Appreciate Sheriff’s desire for caution and disclaim wish to urge him
to hasten action jeopardising Arab projects, but in the meantime he must
spare no effort to attach Arab peoples to our cause and present them assisting
enemy as it is on success of these efforts and on active measures which Arabs
may hereafter take in our cause when time comes than permanency of present
arrangement must depend. „ ,
7 Inform him that we are sending him some funds to facilitate^.) his efforts
in our joint cause. (Since stoppage of Ottoman Government donations to
Sheriff he is in pressing need of funds for maintenance of Medina and Mecca
Slienlt ne is m p g . t de irable t o assist him generously
and ^w^ufd ^^ommend pimt to be given m instalments as matters progress
of fifty thousand pounds 5 To be effective sum must be large and greater part
of any money we give him will find its way to our own trade ports.
Is messenger is still waiting here it is desirable to reply without undue
lient to India No. 736; addressed to Foreign Office.
31-A
MEMORANDUM.
m a in flip miro’in were transmitted to the Secretary,
>l'he papers specified in the Department, India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. , Lon-
Mbeopotamia. (Pm for the information of His Majesty s
— Qpprpfnrv of State for India, under cover
Ne90tiati Z^ot\ S to^° f ^ of the Foreign Secretary’s letter No. 63*
M., dated the 3rd December 1915.