File 705/1916 Pt 2 'Arab revolt: Arab reports; Sir M Sykes' reports' [‎95r] (187/450)

Faisal informed me that if the railway was cut he would require 15,000 rifles to
arm the Anazeh and other tribes who would at once join, but are at present mostly
unarmed; I suggest 10,000 be earmarked for this purpose if 15,000 cannot be
obtained.
^ I attach a plan drawn by Ituhi’s assistant from a rough plan I worked out with
Jaisal; I doubt its accuracy, but it may be of use.*
I also attach a message received from S her if which I have no time to type before
the mail leaves ; and one from Faisal. Perhaps Arbur could have a suitable tent sent
for him.
Since the above was written I have received Arbur telegram No. 1301 ot the
31st August, saying that seaplanes, not aeroplanes, are coming. It is a very great
disappointment, useful as the former will be for coastal work. There was not a figure
wrong in the telegram as received here ; informing the Sherif and Faisal will not be a
very pleasant task.
HM.S. “Scotia” left at noon yesterday before receipt of the above telegram, and
I propose to meet the S.N.O., as stated in my letter sent by “ Scotia,” and get to Suez
the first opportunity.
The wTiole of this town is seething with unrest, constant rumours arrive from
Rabegh that the Turks are advancing; several of Haidar’s proclamations have been
brought in, and a reverse to Faisal would have a very bad effect and possibly would
prevent any pilgrims leaving here for Mecca.
I am well aware that the fate of Arabia and all other spheres of operations depends
on our success on the Western Front, and that even if the Turks reoccupy Hejaz,
Arabia—after the war—will be free and independent; but to allow this to take place
will not tend to make the Sherif and Arab chiefs our loyal and faithful friends, and will
seriously impair our prestige and influence in the future, to retain and gam which, is
surely worth an effort now.
C. WILSON, Lieutenant-Colonel.
Jeddah, September 1, 1916.
i^)
(Secret.)
(Despatch No. 5.) , ^
gi r> Jeddah, September 28, 1916.
I have the honour to repeat that I arrived at Jeddah on the 24th September
at 4 p.m. . ^ -o i u
I reached Yambo the 21st September and left the same evening for Rabegh,
arriving there on the 22nd September. ,
I met Faisal Bey at Yambo, and learnt from him that his brother, Ah Bey, had
arrived at Rabegh; it being obvious that the two brothers had no real plan o
co-operation, I managed to persuade Faisal Bey to accompany me to Rabegh to consu t
his brother and come to some definite agreement.
On arriving at Rabegh, Ali Bey, Zeid Bey (recently arrived from Quadima), and
Nuri Bey came on board ; shortly afterwards Aziz Bey el Masri arrived, and jome
the conference with the above, which 1 purposely did not attend. .
The conference lasted from 9-30 a.m. to 2-30 p.m., during most of which time Zeid
Bey was not allowed to be present. _ , . .
After the conference Ali and Faisal saw me privately and told t e ecision
come to, &c., after which Faisal returned to Yambo in H.M.S. Northbrook, ycoui esy
of Captain Boyle, R.N., S.N.O. tvt i
On the 22nd I landed with Captain Boyle, R.N., and the two Nava or P 8
officers who were on board H.M.S. “ Dufferin,”' to ascertain if a suitable site dor an
aeroplane camp could be found. I informed your Excellency by telegram b. o
the 22nd September of the result. i . , . . . u
I had a private talk with Aziz Bey, and went over the mornings ecision wi
him; the various requests he made were telegraphed to your Excellency (my o
^I^DefenTelaemefor Rabegh consists of an entrenched position N W.W. and
N.E, of the village and palm grove, it is 6,500-8,000 yards from the anc orage an
guards the water supply and is astride of the Sultani Road.
Sent to Arab Bureau.
898—14'
E