In one memorable scene in David Lean’s masterful Lawrence of Arabia, Lawrence has returned to General Allenby’s Cairo headquarters. He is exuberant. He and some Arab tribes have liberated the port of Aqaba from the Turks. Lawrence wants to return to the desert to continue the rebellion, but tells Allenby he needs many items for the Arabs. “Two thousand small arms not enough. I need five; Money. It’ll have to be sovereigns. They don’t like paper; Instructors for the Lewis guns; More money; A couple of armoured cars…and field artillery.” Allenby pauses, but responds “I’m going to give you every blessed thing I can Major Lawrence, because I know you’ll use it.” Allenby is then confronted by his senior political and military advisors.
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