What did T.E. Lawrence seek to accomplish at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919?

At the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, T.E. Lawrence lobbied for two primary objectives, both of which were ultimately unsuccessful:

• Arab Independence: Lawrence advocated for the recognition and establishment of an independent Arab nation, a vision he had championed while serving as a liaison to the Arab forces during the war.12
• Opposition to Mandates: He campaigned against the detachment of Syria and Lebanon from other Arab territories, specifically opposing their designation as a French mandate.1

Lawrence’s efforts were deeply influenced by his awareness of the Sykes-Picot Agreement, a secret wartime arrangement between Britain and France that he viewed as a betrayal of the promises made to Arab leaders regarding their post-war independence. Despite his efforts—which included appearing at the conference in Arab robes to emphasize his commitment to the cause—he was unable to prevent the implementation of the mandate system that divided the region.231