'File 53/1915 Pt 2 German War: Turkey; the Caliphate and Pan-Arab movement' [‎38r] (80/444)

should not suffer distress and want and this notwithstanding the fact that this
privilege was abused by the Turkish military authorities in the hopes of gaining
some slight military advantage.
“ Similarly, here in Iraq Great Britain will in no way interfere with the
religious life of the people and of their leaders nor with the Holy Places, but
will in virtue of her power on sea and land enable pilgrims from distant parts
to make the pilgrimage to the shrines of Kerbela, Najaf and Baghdad.
“ So long therefore as the inhabitants of the occupied territories conduct
themselves in a friendly manner towards us they will have nothing to fear at
our hands, but on the contrary will receive friendly and considerate treatment
such as the people of Basrah are now experiencing.
“ Refuse therefore steadfastly to be misled by lies prompted by Turkish
and German agents .realise that the hour of destiny for the A-rab race has now
come and that the hopes of the Arabs depend upon the co-operation and
support of the British Government. Avail yourselves therefore of this unique
opportunity.
r<( Let all the Muhammadans of Iraq abide firmly in an attitude of neutrality
from which no harms can come to them and which will prove the foundation of
peace and prosperity,”
Please let me know if you have any modifications to suggest and whether
you agree to its issue.
21
No, 2158-W., dated Delhi, the 8th November 1915.
Endorsed Joy the Foreign and Political Department.
A copy of the undermentioned papers is forwarded to the Army Depart
ment for information with reference to the endorsement by the Foreign and
Political Department, No. 2094-W., dated the 2Sth October 1915.
Telegram from His Majesty^s Secretary of State for India, dated the 27th October 1915.
Telegram to the General Officer Commanding, Force “ D, ” Basrah, No. 5-D. S., dated
the 3rd November 1915.
22
Telegram P., No. I. Gc—1603, dated (and received) the 9th November 1915.
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” Basrah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
Dth, No. 586. In his No. 16* of October 23rd to Director of Military
Operations, War Office, my views and
* Not received. Cox’s were communicated by Sir Mark
Sykes, to be placed before Prime Minister, Sub-Committee. I request
reference to be made thereto.
As stated therein the formation of an autonomous state in Iraq appears to
he unnecessary arid impossible. There is no sign here, in Iraq, of the slightest
umbitlon of the kind among the people who expect our administration and
seem to he quite ready to accept it. As they have in India, other ideas may
grow in the eourse of years, but we are of opinion that from the point of view
of Iraq it is highly unnecessary and inexpedient to put into the heads of the
backward people of the country what seems to us the visionary and premature
notions of the creation of an Arabic state; notions which will only tend to
make endless difficulties here for Great Britain and serve no present purpose
but to stimulate a small section of ambitious men to turn their activities to a
direction from which, for many years to come, it is highly desirable to keep
them.
Moreover there is no personality who could be called on to assume the
high position of ruler of an independent Arabic state, as far as we know.
713 F. D,