Intelligence and the origins of the British Middle East

Abstract

This article examines how intelligence services and officers laid the groundwork for British rule in Palestine during 1918–23. The patterns for British rule in the Middle East were established by officers who, during the First World War, were responsible for the implementation of Britain's Arab and Zionist policies. It was not until mid-1919 that the inherent conflict between the Arab and Zionist policies became apparent to these officers, who had worked with Zionist intelligence and Arab nationalists during the war. This article examines the roots of British rule during 1919–21 as intelligence cooperation with Zionists helped guarantee a British Mandate, but could not secure the country from violence forever. The zero-sum conflict between Arab nationalist and Zionists emerged as British policy options narrowed.