FRENCH IN SYRIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1920, Page 3

FRENCH IN SYRIA.

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DISCUSSION Ji\ Thr. COMMONS LONDON, July 21.

In moving,the adjournment of the Commons, to discuss the immediate danger to,British interests arising out of the threatened hostilities in Syria, ■Captain Orms'oy Gore, vigorously criticised* tile Government. He declared that the supreme British interest in the Middle East, as elsewhere, was a restoration of peace, which alone would permit political freedom and economical prosperity.

The French ultimaltuji would-inevit-ably entail the employment of further British troops and money .

My Bonar Law, ip replyipg, pointed out that France luis. accepted the Syrian mandate, and that the San Remo Allied Conference and Chief Fousil had consented thereto. French troops had been massacred, and other outrgaes had been committed. An interference on the part of the House of Cpimpqns ‘ would ,1k: equivalent to interference by the French Chamber with British action against the Arabs in Mesopotamia. France had not violated her 'mandate ii( Svr.a. Britain meant to liopoitr her promises to the Arabs. France, replying to British questions, had declared she had no intention to seeking permanent military occupation after the mandate was accepted and order was restored. That was Britain's own polic-y in Mesopot-

anna. Regarding British military P,pensions in Mesopotamia, Mr Clnjrchjll (War Minister) Stated .larger British [reinforcements have bpen ordered from India to Mesopotamia. The British Com* mancler-in-Chi<‘f if) Mfisupptnmur had neen fully authorised to take any military measures for the concentration oi contraction of forces that ho thought the situation required. Therefore, he said, there was no reason for anxiety m regard to the safety of British garrisons. The small force at Rumoita was still holding out, and was being supplied with food frqm the air ; FRENCH AND ARABS. (Received tips day. at 9.30 a.m.) PARIS, July 21. Owing to te Aral) Feisul’s reply being unsatisfactory French operations against ArabH have probably already begun.