Miscellaneous papers on the Near and Middle East [‎1v] (2/70)

u Further, a treaty of alliance with Entente Powers giving them freedom of movement in Greater
Arabia and u^e of railways in Arabian area for duration ot the war. Entente troops in Arab
territories to be on same footing as British troops in Flanders.
“Entente troops to evacuate territories on cessation of hostilities.
“ Faruki insisted that this was dependent on Entente landing troops at a point between Mersina
and Alexandretta, and making good Amanus Pass or Ciiieian Gates. He further stipulated that
Shereef should not take action until this had been done. I agree that any other course is out of the
question, and that to call on Shereef or Arabs to take action until we had made above-mentioned passes
secure would be impossible. Faruki also urged necessity for immediate adequate action in the Gulf
of Alexandretta, adding that if Entente did not take this opportunity Germans would forestall them,
and once Turks or Germans got into Syria, Arabs would, in their own interests, be obliged to reconsider
situation. For my own part, [ am sure that there can be no doubt of Arabs merely troubling Turks
in advances on the Canal. If w r e allow Turks into Syria, Arabs will side with them in order to obtain
special consideration.
“ Germans have already suggested idea of Turko-Arabia on the same lines as Austria-Hungary.
“ I will give observations on less important aspects in further telegram. Meanwhile, 1 am
convinced of necessity for efficient action at earliest possible moment, to enable Arabs to-move.”