IN SYRIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 December 1925, Page 2

IN SYRIA.

[“Tb* ’Cimes” Service.) PRECAUTIONS AT DAMASCUS. (Received this day at 8 a.in.) DAMASCUS. Dec. 5. L'ninc idently with tbe arrival of M. De Jouvenal (French High Commissioner in Syria), the bands operating around tbe City, reportedly numbering two thousand, threatened all early attack and as a result of the acute tension which has been created no traffic is allowed in the streets after six in tile evening. All permits have been withdrawn. The troops standing by the barricades have been increased. New hands of brigands are being formed, one being recruited mainly from the Maiden quarter. The authorities on the Ist. Dee. summoned the notables of Maiden and instructed them that their quarter must resist any attempt of entry by the hands, otherwise the authorities will bombard it. The French heavily homlied the brigands’ gardens near the Sliagoor quarter. It is reported there was heavy fighting recently near Kuneitra; also that a large force of Druses had gone to liaurnu to endeavour to induce the population to join in the rebellion, hut |! e population deterred owing to French aeroplanes heavily bombing the villages. The French occupied Haabaya and Lebanon, which are now freed of insurgents. WASHINGTON, Dee. 5. The American destroyers at Beirut are withdrawing immediately, the State Department having decided that their presence there is unnecessary.