File 705/1916 Pt 1 'Arab revolt: reports' [‎294v] (136/494)

iiitarv situation.
reliable information as to the m
despatched a Moslem liaison officer to ll.M.fe). Fox to lacilitate
between tiie British men-of-war and the Arabs at Jeddah.
On the 13th R.JM.S. Dufferin carrying Farnki money arrived off Jeddah.
But before he could arrive at Jeddah the Arabs, early in the morning of
13th June, attacked the Turkish trenches at Jeddah without warning, and
consequently lost the support of H.M.S, Fox and Hardinge. They were
driven back by the Turkish guns.
After this initial reverse at Jeddah, however, they appear to have
succeeded everywhere. The exact dates of each movement are as yet
difficult to ascertain but the situation, appears at present to be as
follows :—
Mecca, with the possible exception of two small points outside the city,
is in the Sherifs hands. The Turkish Sub Vaii, the Commandant, and the
Government officials have surrendered. Tail has fallen to Abdullah, with
the exception of two forts. The Turks at Jedd ah surrendered on 16rh June
(possibly through the influence of Faruki) ; they numbered 1,400 with
45 officers and 6 guns.
At Medina the Arabs under Feisal and Ali have apparently torn up the
last 150 kilometres of the Ifejaz railway, and arc closely investing the
Turkish garrison. A recent rumour says that Ali Haidar, the Turkish
nominee to the Shexfate, is in the vicinity with a new Turkish force, but it
remains unconfirmed.
The Arabs appear to have captured also two isolated Turkish forts
between Jeddah and Mecca ; and all Turkish communications in Hejaz
appear now to be in the Sherif’s hands.
12th Cairo
co-operation
The Raj Problem.
Zeid, in Ids interview with the representatives of the Arab Bureau,
asked especially that the llaj should not be disturbed by the blockade or by
offensive action in the Jeddah region.
Before Jeddah fell, the Haj raised several problems.
First, the question of allowing pilgrim ships into Jeddah. It was at
once decided that authorise:I ships carrying pilgrims in the regular manner
should be admitted without restrictions.
Secondly, the question of provisioning the pilgrims. While, on the one
hand, it would have been possible for the British Government to say that
when once safely landed their provisioning was their own affair, it was felt
that any hardships which Indian pilgrims might incur would react upon
British prestige in India. The Admiralty therefore stated that they were
willing to allow a ship to take food to the Arabian coast for the pilgrims, in
view of the political importance of such a measure.
thirdly, the Sherif had in the past found the llaj his main source of
income. 11, as seemed inevitable, fewer pilgrims decided to go to Mecca
than previously, it was thought that he would turn to Great Britain to make
up his deficit. In fact he had already suggested that Great Britain should
pay to him the grants previously made by the Ottoman Government for the
Holy Cities.
I he fall of Jeddah has altered the situation, for trade and communi
cation by sea con now lie opened to Ifejaz ports, Cairo have accordingly
suggested that it should be made widely known at once throughout the
Moslem world that the difficulties which for the last two years attended the
yearly pilgrimage will now be removed.
SHE RIF OF MECCA,
Arms and Supplies.
1 he Sherif of Mecca has been making repeated and urgent requests for
more arms and ammunition. He sent a message by Zeid to say that he
needs 10,000 rifles with 4,000,000 rounds of ammunition ; six machine-guns
with 150,000 rounds of Mark VI.; six 10-pounder guns and 3,000 rounds.