Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
CI explained
Lawrence reflects on the complex negotiations between Feisal and the Turks, the British government's conflicting promises, and the strategic maneuvering leading up to the Arab advance on Damascus.
What happens
Lawrence reflects on the complex negotiations between Feisal and the Turks, the British government's conflicting promises, and the strategic maneuvering leading up to the Arab advance on Damascus. He recounts Buxton's successful assault on Mudowwara and Dawnay's warning from Allenby for Feisal to wait, which Feisal ignores, vowing to take Damascus or make a separate peace.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Deception
Lawrence navigates the conflicting promises made by Britain to the Arabs, French, and Zionists, advising Feisal to rely on performance rather than pledges.
War and Guerrilla Tactics
Buxton's assault on Mudowwara exemplifies coordinated guerrilla tactics with bombers, guns, and camel corps.
Identity and Betrayal
Feisal's separate negotiations with Turkey and the fear of British betrayal highlight the fragile alliances and shifting loyalties.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Narrates the chapter, reflecting on British promises, the Turkish correspondence, and the strategic situation.
- Emir Feisal
Engages in correspondence with Jemal Pasha, receives Allenby's warning via Dawnay, and declares his intention to take Damascus.
- Guy Dawnay
Arrives at Akaba and delivers Allenby's cautionary message to Feisal.
- Colonel Buxton
Leads the successful assault on Mudowwara, capturing prisoners and destroying infrastructure.
- Nuri Shaalan
Shows Lawrence his file of conflicting British documents, asking which to believe.
- Jemal Pasha
Opens correspondence with Feisal, offering autonomy and later a crown, but is frustrated by Feisal's demands.
- Mustafa Kemal
Alarmed by Feisal's negotiations, he urges Feisal not to play into Jemal's hands and promises support against Enver.
- Mohammed Said
Sent by Jemal to offer peace to Feisal, but returns empty-handed and nearly hanged.
Key passages
“I had always the lurking fear that Great Britain might forestall Feisal and conclude its own separate peace, not with the Nationalist, but with the Conservative Turks.”
Lawrence worried that Britain would make a separate peace with conservative Turks, betraying Feisal.
Lawrence's distrust of British intentions.
“I begged him to trust not in our promises, like his father, but in his own strong performance.”
Lawrence urged Feisal to rely on his own achievements rather than British promises.
Advice to Feisal on self-reliance.
“Feisal smiled wisely at Dawnay's homily, and replied that he would try this autumn for Damascus though the heavens fell.”
Feisal dismissed Allenby's caution and vowed to take Damascus regardless of the risks.
Feisal's determination to capture Damascus.