The Foreign Office Handbooks - The Middle East

Put together under the direction of the Historical Section of the Foreign Office the aim of these handbooks was to provide British delegates to the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 with detailed information on the geographical, economic, historical and political aspects of the countries concerned.

Format: Mixed media product
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The aim of these handbooks, prepared under the direction of the Historical Section of the Foreign Office, was to provide British delegates to the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 with comprehensive and detailed information on the geographical, economic, historical, and political aspects of the countries concerned. These volumes offer a treasure trove of authoritative information sourced from the Intelligence Divisions of the Admiralty, the Military, and the Foreign Office. Spanning three volumes, this comprehensive set covers the countries and issues related to the Middle East and North Africa, including Turkey, Syria, Persia, and the Persian Gulf, Palestine, Mesopotamia, and Armenia. This edition, presented for the first time in a thematic arrangement, is introduced by William Roger Louis, a renowned authority on the British Empire and Commonwealth, as well as decolonization.

The handbooks were meticulously crafted to equip British delegates with a thorough understanding of the regions they would be representing at the Paris Peace Conference. Each volume delves into the historical background, cultural heritage, economic developments, and political structures of the respective countries. The authors, drawn from various departments within the British government, collaborated to compile and present the information in a clear and concise manner.

The first volume, titled "The Middle East and North Africa," provides an overview of the geographical and historical context of the region. It explores the diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and rivers, and discusses the historical influences and conflicts that have shaped the region's political landscape. The chapter on Turkey, for instance, traces the country's history from its early Ottoman Empire days to the present, highlighting its role as a regional power and its conflicts with neighboring countries.

The second volume, titled "The Middle East and North Africa: Political Aspects," delves into the political systems and institutions of the countries covered. It examines the role of monarchies, dictatorships, and democracies in shaping the political landscape and discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by these systems. The chapter on Syria, for example, explores the country's complex political history, including the rise and fall of various regimes, the civil war, and the international efforts to find a peaceful resolution.

The third volume, titled "The Middle East and North Africa: Economic Aspects," focuses on the economic development and challenges of the region. It examines the natural resources, industries, and trade patterns of the countries and discusses the economic policies and strategies employed to promote growth and development. The chapter on Persia, for instance, explores the country's rich oil reserves and discusses the impact of oil exports on the country's economy and its relations with the international community.

In addition to the comprehensive information provided in the volumes, the handbooks also include appendices and maps that further enhance the reader's understanding of the region. The appendices provide a timeline of significant events and political movements in the Middle East and North Africa, while the maps illustrate the geographical locations and boundaries of the countries covered.

The handbooks were widely regarded as valuable resources for British delegates attending the Paris Peace Conference. They helped them to gain a deeper understanding of the countries they would be negotiating with and to develop effective strategies for achieving peace and stability in the region. The volumes continue to be consulted by scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in the Middle East and North Africa, providing a wealth of historical and contemporary insights.

In conclusion, the handbooks prepared under the direction
direction of the Historical Section of the Foreign Office for the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 were a remarkable effort to provide British delegates with comprehensive and detailed information on the geographical, economic, historical, and political aspects of the countries concerned. These volumes offer a treasure trove of authoritative countries and issues related to the Middle East and North Africa, including Turkey, Syria, Persia, and the Persian Gulf, Palestine, Mesopotamia, and Armenia. This edition, presented for the first time in a thematic arrangement, is introduced by William Roger Louis, a renowned authority.

The handbooks were meticulously crafted to equip British delegates with a thorough understanding of the regions they would be representing at the Paris Peace Conference. Each volume delves into the historical background, cultural heritage, economic developments, and political structures of the respective countries. The authors, drawn from various departments within the British government, collaborated to compile and present the information in a clear and concise manner.

The first volume, titled "The Middle East and North Africa," provides an overview of the geographical and historical context of the region. It explores the diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and rivers, and discusses the historical influences and conflicts that have shaped the region's political landscape. The chapter on Turkey, for instance, traces the country's history from its early Ottoman Empire days to the present, highlighting its role as a regional power and its conflicts with neighboring countries.

The second volume, titled "The Middle East and North Africa: Political Aspects," delves into the political systems and institutions of the countries covered. It examines the role of monarchies, dictatorships, and democracies in shaping the political landscape and discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by these systems. The chapter on Syria, for example, explores the country's complex political history, including the rise.

The third volume, titled "The Middle East and North Africa: Economic Aspects," focuses on the economic development and challenges of the region. It examines the natural resources, industries, and trade patterns of the countries and discusses the economic policies and strategies employed to promote growth and development. The chapter on Persia, for instance, explores the country's rich oil reserves and discusses the impact of oil exports on the country's economy and its relations with the international community.

In addition to the comprehensive information provided in the volumes, the handbooks also include appendices and maps that further enhance the reader's understanding of the region. The appendices provide a timeline of significant events and political movements in the Middle East and North Africa, while the maps illustrate the geographical locations and boundaries of the countries covered.

The handbooks were widely regarded as valuable resources for British delegates attending the Paris Peace Conference. They helped them to gain a deeper understanding of the countries they would be negotiating with and to develop effective strategies for achieving peace and stability in the region. The volumes continue to be consulted by scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in the Middle East and North Africa, providing a wealth of historical and contemporary insights.

Weight: 2946g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 106 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788310581