FRENCH IN MIDDLE EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1920, Page 3

FRENCH IN MIDDLE EAST.

THEIR OCCUPATION RESENTED. By TolesTaph.—Press Assn.—Copyright Cairo, July 18. Adviaes from Haifa state that General Nourt arrived at Damascus and presented General Gourand's terms dema,nding recognition of France's' mandate over all Syria, unrestricted use of military railways, punishment of the Arab chiefs responsible for the recent outrages, and suppression of anti-French movements on the frontier. Feisal has_ convened a war council to discuss the situation. It is feared that a section' of the Arabs are determined to fight to the last,, even is Damascus submits. The French are.ready for an immediate advance. They are well supplied with aeroplanes and artillery. A later message ' from Jerusalem state* that the war council ordered a general mobilisation as an answer to the French ultimatum. General Gourand awaits a formal Teply till July 19. If submission is not tendered he proceeds to occupy Aleppo and march upon Damascus. The French have already cut the Re«ak railway junction. Feisal sent an emissary to General Allenby to ask for intervention. Renter advices from Damascus report that th* Lebanon Administrative Council declared the independence of Lebanon, after refusing the French mandate. < The declaration occasioned surprise, as the majority of the Council are Maronites, who are mostly supporters of the French. The French captured members of the Council who were proceeding to Europe to state their case.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.