"شريف مكة." [ظ‎‎١] (٨/٢)

Enclosed with foregoing.
To bis 1 lonour,
\\ hereas the whole of the Arab nation without any exception have
decided in these last years to live, and to accomplish their freedom and
grasp the reins of their Administration both in theory and practice ; and
whereas they have found and felt that it is to the interest of the Government
of Greai Britain to support them and aid them to the attainment of their
firm and lawful intentions (which are based upon tho maintenance of the
honour and dignity of their life) without any ulterior motives whatsoever
unconnected with this object;
And whereas it is to their (Arabs') interest also to prefer the assistance
of the Government of Great Britain in consideration of their geographical
position and economic interests, and also of the attitude of the above-
mentioned Government, which is known to both nations and therefore need
not be emphasized ;
For these reasons the Arab nation sees fit to limit themselves, as time is
short, to asking the Government of Great Britain, if it should think lit, for
the approval, through her deputy or representative, of the following
fundamental propositions, leaving out all things considered secondary in
comparison with these, so that it may prepare all means necessary for
attaining this noble purpose, until such time as it finds occasion for making
the actual negotiations :—
Firstly. —England to acknowledge the independence of the Arab
countries, bounded on the north by Mersir.a-Adana up to the 37° of latitude,
on which degree falls Birijik, Urfa, Mardin, Midiat, Amadia Island, up to
the border of Persia; on the east by the borders of ''ersia up to the Gidi
of Basra ; on the south by the Indian Ocean, with the exception of the
position of Aden to remain as it is; on the west by the Red Sea, the
Mediterranean Sea up to Mersina. England to approve of the proclamation
of an Arab Khalifate of Islam.
Secondly. —The Arab Government of the 8 her if to acknowledge that
England shall have the preference in all economic enterprises in the Arab
countries whenever conditions of enterprises are otherwise equal.
Thirdly. —For the security of this Arab independence and the certainty
of such preference of economic enterprises, both high contracting parties to
oifer mutual assistance to the best ability of their military and naval forces,
to face any foreign power which may attack either party. Peace not to be
decided without agreement of both parties.
Fourthly. —If one of the parties enters upon an aggressive conflict, the
other party to assume a neutral attitude, and in case of such party wishing
the other to join forces, both to meet and discuss the conditions.
Fifthhi. —England to acknowledge the abolition of foreign privileges in
the Arab countries, and to assist the Government of the Sherif in an
international Convention for confirming such abolition.
Sixthly. —Articles ?> and 4 of this Treaty to remain in vigour fcr 15
vears, and, if either wishes it to be renewed, one year's notice before lapse
of treaty to be given.
Consequently, and as the whole of the Arab nation have (praise be to
God) agreed and united for the attainment, at all costs and finally of this
noble object, they beg the Government of Great Britain to answer them
positively or negatively in a period of 30 days after receiving this intimation ;
and if this period should lapse before they receive an answer, they reserve
to themselves complete freedom of action. Moreover we (Sherif's family)
will consider ourselves free in word and deed from the bonds of our previous
declaration which we made through Ali Eft/"
Undated and unsigned.
• Our last messenger, ride correspomleuce.