The British Moslem Association has distributed far and wide letter warning Islam against the German design to start Holy War, explaining the exact and unfortunate position of Turkey, and citing doctrine for the guidance of the faithful in considering the call of the Potsdam Prophet.
The declaration opens with general reference to German mendacity, and instances the use of bribery and false promises in stirring up rebellion in South Africa, a point being made of the fact that none of the rebels were Mussulmen. Finding herself being beaten by the Allies (the jon continues) and that Indian troops, French n troops from Morocco, and Russian Moslema were loyally and powerfully assisting the Allies, the Germans induced Turkey to enter the war, thinking that the move would compel British, French, and Russian Moslems to withdraw from the ranks of the Allies.
Germany knew that Turkey was poor, and her high officials were susceptible to the colour and touch of hard cash; that these officials ruled without regard to the wishes of the Turkish people or of the Sultan, and that bribery and corruption are great in Turkey. Germany was thus easily able to influence the Turkish Ministry of War in directing wanton attacks en peaceable towns in Russia, German men-of-war flying the Turkish flag and manned by German officers and sailors bombarding places on the Black Sea coast Vargely inhabited by Russian Moslems. Germany also caused the Ministry of War to send troops to attack Egyptian Moslem troops and Egyntian Moslem unfortified towns, also to attack True Believers in the Caucasus. Turkish officials knew perfectly well that these attacks were without reasonable excuse. But the fact is that Mosl>ms in Russia, Persia, and Eevnt, are being attacked for the benefit of Germany. and not at all for the benefit of Turkey.
The True Caliph.
Now, the question needs to be considered, what right has the Sultan of Turkey to call himself "Caliph of Islam," and as such to assume leadership of a Holy War. As to this, the declaration say: The Holy Prophet Hasara Mahomed Rosule Allah (on whom be everlasting peace and blessings) declared that when he corns to be called away from earth, his successor in the I-adership of Islam should be one chosen by Moslems throughout the world; and his
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.