GROWING UNREST IN SYRIA

Southland Times, Issue 24232, 16 September 1940, Page 6

GROWING UNREST IN SYRIA

Presence ,Of Italians Resented

SENTIMENT IN FAVOUR OF GENERAL DE GAULLE (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) LONDON, September 13. The American Associated Press says that a tremendous change in Syrian sentiment in favour of General Charles de Gaulle- has occurred since the arrival of the Italian Armistice Commission. The French National Committee spokesman in Cairo said: “Resentment against the Italian efforts to disarm Syria is running high. An explosion may come at any moment. Last month the Syrians were emphatically following the men of Vichy, but the bitterness engendered by the conviction that Italy, the first to arrive for the spoils, has not defeated France and never could, added to the fact that the British Fleet bars the Italians from landing has resulted in the change. If Syria is disarmed air-borne troops might take control and thrust against the Mosul oilfields, cutting off Britain’s main Middle East oil supply.” COLONEL’S NOSE PUNCHED Members of the Italian mission are reported to have been manhandled. One Colonel’s nose was punched and legionaries jumped on another. The Emir Abdullah of TransJordan, in a speech said: “The Franco'German Armistice is critical for Syria. The Italian Commission has displeased the Arabs because no foreign commission has the right to enter Arab mandated territory with the object of maintaining authority. Any administrative change must be to the Arabs’ advantage.”

British naval authorities at Gibraltar confirm that the French cruisers Gloire, Montcalm, and Georges Leygues and the destroyers L’Audacieux, Lemail and Le Fantasque passed into the Atlantic from the east. Their destination has not been disclosed but it is believed that they are rallying to General de Gaulle.

The Vichy Navy Minister (Admiral Jean Darlan) announced that the Montcalm, Georges Leygues and Gloire, also three destroyers, arrived at Dakar from Toulon. This completed the first major French naval movement since the armistice. It is believed that the ships have been sent to protect the trade routes with Dakar, Casablanca and other ports, where much needed foodstuffs are awaiting shipment to France.