File 705/1916 Pt 2 'Arab revolt: Arab reports; Sir M Sykes' reports' [‎214v] (426/450)

The views of Major-General Powell are deserving of careful consideration since
they give the point of view of one who has had long experience of the feelings of the
native military classes in India.
The two papers written respectively by Professor Margoliouth and Mr. Carruthers
are of special interest since they expose the views of two persons who between them
compass almost all that there is to be known about Arabs and Arabia; li©lessor
Margoliouth is a scholar of European reputation, and Mr. Carruthers an explorer who
ranks with the late Captain Shakespeare and Mr. Doughty.
The attitude of the German agents in Tangier is worthy of notice, they are
described as desirous of denying the fact of the Sherif s movement, this combined
with the silence of the Germans and Turks on the subject of the Aiab movement m
their communiques seems to indicate that at least they do not like the situation, and
regard it with some annoyance if not alarm.
The Italian enquiries in regard to the future status of Ottoman territories mark
the appearance of a new T factor m the situation which will soonei or later lequne
careful consideration.
M. S.
Committee of Imperial Defence,
19th July 1916. (9 a.m. )
P.S.—Information from an agent, dated 25th June, has been received, stating
that rumour has it that the Ottoman Government will endeavour to settle matters
with the Sherif by arbitration, and will not resort to strong measures until the
attempt has failed. The existence of this rumour tends to confirm the idea that the
Ottoman Government is uneasy about the situation. It is possible that the Sherif
has sympathisers among the anti-Committee members of the Turkish Moslem clergy.
Late news suggests that General Baratoff may retire still further to the North-East.
This wdll reopen German and Turkish political communication with Afghanistan, a
matter of somewhat serious moment in view of the situation at Kabul.
M. S.
19th July 1916. (12 noon.)