| "The
two districts of Mesina and Alexandretta and portions of Syria lying to
the west of the districts of Damascus, Homs and Aleppo cannot be said to
be purely Arab, and should be excluded from the limits demanded (by the
Arabs).
With the above modification, and
without prejudice to our existing treaties with Arab chiefs, we accept
those limits.
As for those regions lying within
these frontiers wherein Great Britain is fee to act without detriment to
the interests of her ally, France, I am empowered in the name of the
government of Great Britain to give the following assurances and make
the following reply to your letter.
1) Subject to the above
modifications, Great Britain is prepared to recognise and support the
independence of the Arabs in the regions within the limits demanded by
the Sherif of Mecca.
2) Great Britain will recognise the
Holy Places against all external aggression and will recognise their
inviolability.
3) When the situation admits, Great
Britain will give to the Arabs her advice and will assist them to
establish what may appear to be the most suitable forms of government
in those various territories.
4) On the other hand, it is
understood that the Arabs have decided to seek the advice and guidance
of Great Britain only, and that such European advisors and officials
as may be required for the formation of a sound administration will be
British.
5) With regards to the vilayets of
Baghdad and Basra, the Arabs will recognise that the established
position and interests of Great Britain necessitate special
administrative arrangements in order to secure these territories from
foreign aggression to promote the welfare of the local populations and
to safeguard our mutual economic interests."
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