ISBN:
(13) 978-1-84097-140-8
Extent:
15 volumes, 12,000 pages Editor: J. Priestland, with an Introduction by Dr Patrick Seale, writer and consultant on Middle East affairs Published: 2005 Paper: Printed on acid free paper Binding: Library bindings with gilt finish |
RESUMÉ
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
From the Introduction to the Collection by Dr Patrick Seale
In the long, arduous and still incomplete struggle for Arab independence, Syria, and its historic capital Damascus, seat of the seventh century Umayyad dynasty, occupy a central place. It was in Syria that the aspirations of Arab nationalism were first expressed and then savagely repressed, only to be revived at every opportunity and in every subsequent generation, earning the country the proud title of ‘the beating heart of Arabism’.
...These hard-working ambassadors, consuls, military attachés, academic experts and envoys of all kinds invariably viewed the situation from the standpoint of British interests. But, as one dips into these volumes, one cannot but be struck by the fair-mindedness and dispassionate judgements of the men on the spot. Who would not be tempted to read minutes by Arnold Toynbee or Gertrude Bell on the future of Syria and Palestine, or General Allenby’s report on a secret Arab society which formed the core of the Arab Revolt, or a personal letter from T. E. Lawrence to the Foreign Secretary on how to negotiate with the Amir Faysal? And who would not wish to pause long enough to read a confidential despatch by a diligent British consul on the plundering and burning of Syrian villages by French forces during the Druze rebellion of 1925?
As one explores this treasure trove of documents one finds a despatch from Damascus by a military attaché describing the mechanism of the Ba‘th party’s successful coup of 8 March 1963, which was to change Syrian politics for the next four decades. And leafing further ahead to the last volume of the series, one may wish to read a despatch from Moscow assessing the significance of President Asad’s visit when he sought Soviet weapons and support for the great assault of 1973, which he hoped would regain territory lost in 1967 and force Israel to the negotiating table. These goals proved elusive, but they still rank high among Syria’s present priorities and will remain so until the Arab–Israeli conflict is finally put to rest.
ARRANGEMENT OF VOLUMES
Volume 1: 1918-1920
Volume 2: 1920-1922
Volume 3: 1923-1925
Volume 4: 1926-1931
Volume 5: 1931-1936
Volume 6: 1937-1939
Volume 7: 1940-1942
Volume 8: 1943-1945
Volume 9: 1945-1948
Volume 10: 1949-1951
Volume 11: 1952-1955
Volume 12: 1956-1959
Volume 13: 1959-1962
Volume 14: 1962-1963
Volume 15: 1964-1973
CONTENTS OUTLINE
KEY DOCUMENTS