T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 341

To Col.C.F.Wilson. 6.12.16. Our interference in matters of internal organisation is not encouraged exactly! I have asked you to let me hear occasionally about Sherif Abdulla and his movements. If he closes up the Turks he might be quite useful to the Wadi Sirra operations, and fuller information would enable "Plain to coordinate". Of course it is quite probable that you have no news! The "old man of the sea" of those A.F. Mountain Batteries still worries me. If we could only get that responsibility off we would have done well and more than they asked. One's isolation at Yenbo and lack of touch with everything will make one unable to see what news you need. So will you whenever a thing crops up send me a telegram asking for light on so and so? One gets so used to local things that one forgets they are unknown outside. Yours sincerely T E Lawrence (Note at top of p.1) I have so much coding and decoding, and local work that I have been unable to write a record of a report which ought to be written on my visit to Feisul. If I can write one I will send it (or a copy, according to postal opportunity) to you. (2) If they will take me up I will show them the roads. (3) This is done to save the great delay of going to Jidda first: and there is not enough news in it to make it worth while sending a copy to you (Note at top of p.2) Have just recd. a telegram from you, & one to Garland asking for news. I'm very sorry, but owing to atmospheric & press of naval work Capt. Doyle had to refuse my messages, and this meant two days' delay. I hope they most of it them got off last night. .L. (4) Agents were not much good (5) If you think fit, please explain the local conditions to the Sirdar. Abd el Kadir is as efficient and reliable as any British officer