ARAB LEADER

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 18 November 1927, Page 5

ARAB LEADER

“LAWRENCE OF ARABIA” VIVID inbight into PERSONALITY. BOOK PUBLISHED. IBy Cable-Press assn. - Copyright.] (Received 18, 11.85 a.m.) London, Nov. 17. Vivid insight into the personality of "Lawrence of Arabia” is provided in a volume of that title by Robert Graces published to-day. The author relates how Lawrence quarrelled with politicians and soldiers over post-war dealings with the Arabs. He obtained an audience with the King intimating firmly, as an individual, his intention to fight, straight or crooked, until His Majesty’s Ministers conceded the Arabs a fair settlement. The King respected Lawrence’s scruple and permitted him to forego his British and foreign decorations.

The authenticity of this is proved by an interview with the King's secretary, Lord Hamfordham, obtained by the author. “His Majesty recalls Lawrence’s statement that cer tain promises made by Lawrence to King Feisul were not fulfilled, consequently he might find himself fighting against the British, and for that reason it would obviously be impossible and wrong to wear British decorations.”

The volume contains a good story about Viscount Curzon. Lawrenoe, cabling the Foreign Office, used the words, “Fed up.” Viscount Curzon, reading the cable, asked, "What does the term ‘fed up’ signify?” and his secretary replied, "I believe it is the equivalent of ‘disgruntled,’ ” to which the Viscount responded, “I suppose it is a middle class term.” Informed of this by letter Lawrence impishly framed a later cable: "Have wangled things with Abdulla. Note: Necessary very 'wangle' is absent from diplomtaic cipher. I suggest that a letter-group be allotted for it to save spelling each time.” The author adds: “The word ‘wangle’ is now in the British cipher book!”—(A. and N.Z.)