BAD TO WORSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 May 1941, Page 5

BAD TO WORSE

SITUATION IN SYRIA ARRESTS OF QE GAULLE SYMPATHISERS. BRITISH CONSUL-GENERAL ORDERED TO LEAVE. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) ONDON, May 21. The Cairo correspondent of “The Times' reports that the internal situation in Syria is worsening. In Beirut, the correspondent states, the electric power station has broken down, putting the lights and tramways out of action. The rationing, which was already severe, has been considerably tightened up. A systematic campaign of arrests has begun, roping in French officers and officials and Syrian politicians in Beirut and Damascus, who are suspected of sympathising with the De Gaulle movement. The Government has started mass dismissals as part of the political purge. The High Commissioner for Syria. General Dentz has stated: “On instructions from Vichy. I notified Mr Havard, the British Consul-General at Lebanon, that he must cease his activities and leave the country. This measure is a reply to the expulsion of the French Consul-General from London.” Another announcement frorh Beirut says that .after British attacks on Syrian aerodromes the Government has decided to terminate the activities of all British Consulates in Syria and Lebanon. The officials were notified yesterday and will leave with their staffs this week. ■ BETRAYAL OF ISLAM MOSLEM PAPERS DENOUNCE RASHID ALL BELIEF IN TURKISH LOYALTY. ißritish Official Wireless.) RUGBY. May 20. Condemnation of the action of Rashid Ali and his intrigues with Germany is forthcoming from the Press of India. The "Ahsan." a Lahore daily, writes: "Germany's sole objective is to see that the Moslems are annihilated. Turkey would never break tier pledge given to Britain. While it is generally believed that the Iraq tangle is the outcome of Rashid’s intrigues with Germany. Turkey has taken the first opportunity to express her disapproval of the action taken by the Iraq Government, because she is convinced that the countries which have agreed to act as instruments of Germany have lost their independence and sovereignty. i

The "Hamdam Urdu." a daily newspaper of Lucknow, says, "Hitler’s moves and threats fail to influence the Moslem countries, which have proclaimed their friendship toward Britain and have refused ’to become involved in the European war. The present Government in Iraq has alone struck a discordant note." The “Shahbaz," another daily of Lahore, writes: "Rashid All’s activities, which have jeopardised the entire Islamic world, are being denounced in every Islamic country." The "Inquilab," in a leading article declares: "The danger which has appeared in Iraq constitutes a direct threat to the safety of India."