IN SYRIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 October 1925, Page 3

IN SYRIA.

[Australia <fc N.Z. Cable Association.] THE FRENCH UNEASY. PARIS, October 28. The French uneasiness in regard to Damascus is shown by *' Le Journal ” asking whether it is true, as tlie English newspapers declare, that General Sarraii. before the bombardment, omitted to follow the elementary rule in the law of nations, whereby the consular body is informed and due warning given for the evacuation of women and children. "Im Journal " says it lias been stated the omission lias led to a protest bv the consular body which tins transmitted by its doyen, the German Consul, whose recall General Sarraii then demanded. FRENCH CENSORSHIP. LONDON. Oct. 20. The full story of Damascus lias not yet been published in France. Ihe War .Ministry staled last night il was not in a position to confirm or deny the story of the bombardment. The Foreign Ministry lias issued a statement that the events have been exaggerated. The press, however, does not accept the denials, or attempt to minimise them.

I lie Loudon Daily Express has specially cabled the .Secretary <J the Palestine Arab Congress, respecting the latter's message from Jerusalem on Oct. 2(>tli. The reply states the story that a number of women and children were buried in the ruins is still unverified, but fugitives insist on the truth cf their statement. The reply affirms that the French are suppressing the correct news, and that a bombardment of the densest quarters of the city lasted fifty hours.

GENERAL SARRAIL CRITICISED. PARIS. Oct. 110.

The newspapers are anxious regarding the situation in Syria. The “Eclat do l’aris” says M. Deimiergiic lias requested M. Painleve to do what is necessary to re-establish. tranquility al any cost. A correspondent of the slime paper accused General Sarraii of pro-Turkish, anti-Arab freemasonry, with upholding Turkish freemasonry.

The “Figaro” and "Matin” criticise Sarrail's alleged failure to supply information. The “Matin” says Sarrail's reports talk about the weather and the dearness of living with a postscript of two lines with regard to the gravest (•vents. The paper declares Sari-ail’s lack of balance is damaging the prestige of Franco in the world.