|
T. E. Lawrence to his family
Akaba
19.10.17
Apparently you have begun getting letters from me. I got one yesterday
from Arnie suggesting certain things. I'm afraid it is looking too far
ahead, but should there be opportunity I would much like the
arrangement. It will be quite easy to get the necessary approval if the
time comes. A. would come to Cairo in that case, work with the Arab
Bureau till au fait with the situation, and then take a field job. The
Hejaz is nearly closed down, but S. and E. Syria is much in evidence. A.
should learn Syrian Arabic, or better still N. Mesopotamian. If from
books it will have to be Syrian, as there are no others (except
Egyptian, which is bad). If he can get hold of any Arabs, let him pick
village or tribal Arabic, not town. He should learn demolition work
(explosives) practically, as the theory is very theoretic and does not
always justify itself. However the effects of blasting gelatine and
guncotton on stone and steel are worth working out, on paper as well as in
the open. It is very easy. Fuse and electric firing. He should also
learn machine gun work, Vickers, Lewis, and Hotchkiss, and if he has time
get a working acquaintance with light Trench mortars, and guns. Of the
latter we use field and mountain, and some fancy patterns. It is not worth
while his trying to become a gunner, but if he spends a few days with a
gunner, or near a battery, it will pay him to pick up how to set a fuse
and train a gun. He should be able to ride a motor-cycle and drive a car:- we use Fords, Crossleys, and Rolls-Royces. If he can do some of the
above, can write fluently in English, talk a little French, and shoot
with revolver and rifle that will be useful enough. Bomb-throwing is a
very handy thing. If he makes even a beginning in Arabic it is good. I
don't suppose he can get very far, but the further the better.
All books on Arabia
and Syria are worth reading - especially Baedeker. What
a catalogue of talents! I wish I had them. All very well here. Saw Mr. Hogarth two days ago
- not here!
N.
|
|
