File 2182/1913 Pt 10 'N.W. Frontier: Proposed Russian zoological expedition' [‎262v] (116/664)

falls Birijik, Urfa, Mardin, Midiat, Amadia Island, up to the border of Persia; on
the east by the borders of Persia up to the Gulf of Basra; on the south by the Indian
Ocean, with the exception of the position of Aden to remain as it is; on the wffit by
the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea up to Mersina. England to approve f * the
proclamation of an Arab Khalifate of Islam. 1
Secondly.—The Arab Government of the Sherif to acknowledge that England
shall have the preference in all economic enterprises in the Arab countries whenever
conditions of enterprises are otherwise equal. .
Thirdly. Eor the security of this Arab independence and the certainty ot such
preference of economic enterprises, both high contracting parties to offer 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. . _. x , ,,
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
ioin’forces, both to meet and discuss the conditions.
Fifthly. —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. ^ „ r
Sixthly. —-Articles 3 and 4 of this Treaty to remain m vigour for 15 years, 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 ob.iect,
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 Eff.
fUndated and unsigned.]
( 2 .)
Sir E. McMahon to His Highness the Sherif Hosayn (titles), dated August 30, 1915.
After compliments and salutations.
WE have the honour to thank you for your frank expressions of the sincerity
of your feeling towards England. We rejoice moreover that your Highness and
your people are of one opinion, that Arab interests are English interests and English
Arab. To this intent we confirm to you the terms of Lord Kitchener’s message,
which reached you by the hand of Ali Effendi, and in which was stated clearly our
desire for the Independence of Arabia and its inhabitants, together with our
approval of the Arab Kaliphate when it should be proclaimed. We declare once
more that His Majesty’s Government would welcome the resumption of the
Kaliphate by an Arab of true race. With regard to the questions of limits,
frontiers and boundaries, it would appear to be premature to consume our time in
discussing such details in the heat of war, and while, in many portions of them, the
Turk is up to now in effective occupation; especially as we have learnt, with surprise
and regret, that some of the Arabs in those very "parts, far from assisting us, are
neglecting this their supreme opportunity, and are lending their arms to the German
and the Turk, to the new despoiler and the old oppressor.
Nevertheless we are ready to send to your Highness for the Holy Cities and
the noble Arabs the charitable offerings of Egypt, so soon as your Highness shall
inform us how and where they should be delivered. We are moreover arranging
for this your messenger to be admitted and helped on any journey he may make to
ourselves.
Eriendly reassurances. Salutations.
J (Signed) A. H. McMAHON.