LEBANON CRISIS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 34, 19 November 1943, Page 3

LEBANON CRISIS

SERIOUSNESS OF OUTLOOK.

ARAB NOTABLE’S OPINION.

REFERENCE BY KING FAROUK

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.) (Rec. 11.0 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 18.

Britain must step in soon in Lebanon or what has happened there will be child’s play compared with what will happen in the future, is the opinion expressed by an Ai’ab notable who is tvell informed on the situation in Lebanon, says a British United Press correspondent, cabling from the Lebanon-Palestine border. The notable said: “The present stage is the calm before the storm. The situation at Beirut is a sort of armed truce, both sides waiting to see the outcome of the negotiations with General Catroux, but it is clear that the Lebanese have no intention of accepting any new Government.”

King Farouk, in his speech from the throne at the opening of the Egyptian Parliament, said he profoundly deplored the painful events in Lebanon, against which the Egyptian Government had immediately and strongly protested. He said: “My Government will do everything possible to re-estab-lish a normal situation and the triumph of right in this dear country.” King Farouk’s uncle, Prince Mohomed Ali, deputised for Farouk, who is convalescing after a car accident.

King Farouk also declared that Egypt was determined to keep her integrity and independence. Syria, was taking the necessary steps with the appropriate authorities in the Lebanese interests.

A Government spokesman told this to the Syrian Parliament in Damascus yesterday. The Algiers radio stated that the French Committee of National Liberaation, also the Consultative Assembly and the Council of Resistance were all in session to-day.

Lebanese sources in Cairo say that a large force of armed Lebanese, including Druse tribesmen, is waiting in the mountains outside of Beirut to attack the French unless the situation in Lebanon is completely restored.

Messages from Beirut on Tuesday paid that the city was slowly resuming its normal activities. Some stores have opened and Arabic language newspapers were expected to resume publication.

The police fired on students who demonstrated in favour of Lebanon in Cairo streets on Monday, reports the correspondent of the British United Press. At least three students were killed.

In spite of the order by the Prime Minister (Nahas Pasha) that there must he no violence, college and high school students poured into the streets shouting “Down with France,” “Down with De Gaulle,” and “Long Live Lebanon,” When the police tried to break up the demonstrations the students stoned them and then street lamps, shop windows, and trams. Many students were injured, and a number arrested.