File 705/1916 Pt 1 'Arab revolt: reports' [‎239v] (26/494)

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mously agreed to was a longing for the freedom of their country and its
emancipation from Turkey. The Mohammedans, he said, in their hearts
wish it as much as the Christians, only they dare not express their views;
Those who boasted of their attachment to the Turkish Government and
their loyalty to the Sultan did it simply in order to antagonise the
Christians. Other Mohammedans believe that it is their duty to uphold
the Caliph. I asked him which, in his opinion, was the European Power
that claimed the sympathy of the Arabs. He said the Maronites and
Catholics were in their majority in favour of France, other Christian
denominations and Moslems were generally inclined towards England.
Russia claimed the sympathy of a small number of Greek Orthodox.
Mr. Diab himself, having lived in Egypt and seen the beneficial results
of English occupation, would personally welcome an English protectorate
over Syria. I asked him, “Ifthe Arabs were granted their independence
would they be able to rule themselves ? ” He emphatically said that it was
an impossibility, and it would be more disastrous to the country than
Turkish rule. He pointed out the condition of the Arabs in the United
States, where, in spite of the liberal laws, freedom and justice, the Arabs
still stuck to the spirit of dissension and discord amongst themselves.
Other interviews I had in New York with Shukri Baccash, editor of
the Arabic newspaper^/ Fatal\ Joseph Khouri, editor of the Arabic news
paper El Shaab. Both publications pursue an anti-Turkish policy, their
chief object being the emancipation of Syria from the Turks. The influence
of the Arabic Press in America would be far greater and more efficient
if the editors cast aside their petty jealousies and dissensions, united
together, and strove for the future well-being of the Arab race.
I have also had conversations while in New York with Michael Haddad,
clerk in the offices of the New York Evening Mail\ Saleem Hatem,
a bright and intelligent youth ; Abbas Abou Chakra and Emin Saad-Eddin
Abdullah, co-editors of the Al Akhaa, and several others.
I have mingled with the Arabs, both Christians and Mohammedans, and
from the trend of my conversation with them I can safely say that an ideal
for a national Arab cause does not exist. Their aspirations are limited
to their own province and district. Sympathies are almost equally divided
between France and England. Several Christians dare not voice their
opinions for fear of being reported to the Turkish officials and punishment
dealt to their relatives in Turkey and their properties confiscated. The
Mohammedan element outwardly supports Turkey, believing it to be its
religious duty. It cannot hide the fact, however, that Turkey is on the
brink of ruin, but it founds its hopes on Germany for the reconstitution and
$he future prosperity of Turkey.
In Boston I interviewed Abraham Khoury, editor of the newspaper
Fatal Boston (The Damsel of Boston). He had a very vague idea of
Arab ideals and is pursuing exclusively a pro-Syrian policy. I asked him
what his opinion was about the future of the Arab race. He said he could
only speak of Syria and Lebanon, which ought to be granted their inde
pendence. I asked him if the Syrians would be able to rule themselves