File 705/1916 Pt 2 'Arab revolt: Arab reports; Sir M Sykes' reports' [‎88v] (174/450)

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by urging the British officers to close and frank co-operation with the
French mission, and warning them against giving the Sherif any
opportunity to discuss dangerous matters with any of our representatives,
(ii.) The Rabegh Brigade is again to the fore; now that the scheme has been
turned down definitely on our side. Colonel Brernond raises the proposal.
Although it is almost trenching on the field of operations, it is ventured in
this appreciation to suggest that if Colonel Bremond cannot see his wav to
allow of the landing of the French guns at ftabegh without an escort of
infantry and a large complement of European officers, these guns and men
might be of use to the SheriFs cause at some other point on the Bed Sea
coast north of Weg or south of Jeddah, where there can be no religious
objection to their presence.
(iii.) The success of the two Indian officers’ visit to the Sherif announced by
Captain Bray is satisfactory, and should tend to allay the fears expressed
when his mission was first proposed.
(iv.) Special attention is drawn to the report of an agent on the German society
Islam Kultur. The resolution regarding the despatch of assassins, for the
purpose of murdering Moslem rulers favourable to the Allies, is a very
probable development. This side of Young Turkism will require careful
watching now and hencefbrw’ard.
(v.) The King case has its bearing on Arab affairs. Mr. Ptaffolovitch was in
contact with Pickthall, Field, and Posher, and probablv in touch with
Zeynab Charlton and Margaret B,obimon, all persons in close sympathv
with the inner aims and objects of the C. IT.P. and not ordinary Turco-
phiis of the sentimental type. Pickthall was mentioned in King’s letter
to Baffolovitch as being a recipient of Baffolovitch's letters to Kincr.
(vi.) Agha Khan’s letter on Middle Eastern affairs suffers from the usual Indian
fault of its writer The lowest of the four classes into which East India Company civil servants were divided. A Writer’s duties originally consisted mostly of copying documents and book-keeping. not knowing exactly what he wants to sav. According
to Agha Khan, whether we beat the Turks or sue for peace, Vith Kut and
Gallipoli to our discredit, is one and the same thing. Although he repeats
this idea three times in the letter, it is obvious that it is not the one he
wishes to convey, but what he really intends it is impossible to make out.
(vii.) Special attention is drawn to Ghalib Pasha’s message to Abdulla Bey [the
son of the Sherif] previous to capitulation [see p. 20], it is a good
example of the tone in which a Turk addresses an Arab w r hen the latter
is victorious. This document might be useful in India at a later date.
M. S.
(