SOMALI WANT TO FIGHT
The New York Times pg 8 Nov 22 1914 Jubaland Chiefs Send Plea to England to Join the Army
London Nov 10 the London Times has received from a correspondent a copy of a petition signed by the principal Somali chiefs in Jubaland asking that they be allowed to fight for England. The document is as follows
To His Highness the Governor
Through the Hakim of Jubaland
Salaams yea many salaams with Gods mercy blessing and peace After Salaams
We the Somali of Jubaland both Herti and Ogaden, comprising all the tribes and including the Maghaubul, but not including the Tolomooge Ogaden who live in Biskaya and Tanaland and the Merehan desire humbly to address you
In former days the Somali have fought against the Government
Even lately the Marehan have fought against the Government
Now we have heard that the German Government have declared war on the English government Behold our fitna against the English Government is finished
As the Monsoon wind drives the sand hills of our coast into new forms so does this this news of German evildoing drive our hearts and spears into the service of the English Government
The Jubaland Somali are with the English Government Daily in our mosques we pray for the success of the English armies Day is as night and night is as day with us until we hear that the English are victorious God knows the right He will help the right. We have heard that the Indian Askaris have been sent to fight for us in Europe Humbly we ask why should not the Somali fight for England also.
We beg the Government to allow our warriors to show their loyalty In former days the Somali tribes made fitna against each other Even now it is so it is our custom yet with the Government against the Germans we are as one ourselves our warriors our women and our children By God it is s
A few days ago many troops of the military left this country to eat up the Germans who have invaded our country in Africa May God prosper them.
Yet Oh Hakim with all humbleness we desire to beg of the Government to allow our sons and warriors to take part in this great war against the German evildoer They are ready. They are eager Grant them the boon God and Mohammed is with us all.
If Government wish to take away all the troops and police from Jubaland it is good We pledge ourselves to act as true Government askaries until they return.
We humbly beg that this our letter may be place at the feet of our King and Emperor who lives in England in token of our loyalty and our prayers
