SYRIAN WAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 August 1925, Page 2

SYRIAN WAR.

j Australia ,<• N.Z. Cable Association.] ANOTLiF.It Fit KN'CH B KYF.itSE. I.OXDTX, Aug. 9. Tne Beirut i nrrespoiident of the “Tillies - ' says the latest French reverse at Jehel-Druse occurred seven miles from Sueida where till' Druses at tacked (lie native rearguard in the darkness, the latter resisting feebly. The entire force was thrown into contusion, being compelled to withdraw tu Izrali where they awaited reini'orceiiH'iits The latter reached Izrali where an advance at lull strength is being prepared. It is impossible to move at present, owing to the excessive heat and -cari-ny n| water. li is Indicii.-u (he citadel of Simula has suliii irnl waier provisions and aininuiii limi li hold out until relied arrives. The rebels burned the Government House and Loyalist dwellings. alii: looted the bazaars and foreign houses The French are receiving applications for protection daily Irom 31osleii as well as Christian tribes, who complain of like severity of the rebels’ excesses.

FRENCH SETBACK. PARIS. August 9. At. Painleve, Prime Minister, has received a telegram front Syria to the effect that Jebel-Druse is now quiet. Official quarters declare that the trouble has been purely a local one. The Beirut correspondent of “Le Temps” telegraphs that there is no question of the despatch of a regttlai expedition against the Druses. ’I he French already possess adequate forces in the Levant to put down the revolt. The casualties are much below the figures given. The French staff in Beirut are confident of their ability to deal with the situation. (MINERAL SARD A I L'X REPORT. BAR IS, August 9. General Sarrail has telegraphed to Premier Painleve stating the lighting in Syria has practically been eonlineo to two attacks on two French punitive columns, the first of which was overwhelmed hy the Druses, and lost one hundred out of one hundred and sixty men. The second column withdrew after losing its ammunition convoy. Stteida has not fallen, and is still om ctipied by the French. OFFICIAL DISCLOSE!!E. PARIS. August 11. An ofiieial report discloses that when I the Druses attacked the ammunition | convoy attached to the relief column. tlu‘ guard bolted, leaving a wounded ollieer who commit toil suicide rather than surrender.