HAND FORCED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 196, 1 June 1945, Page 3

HAND FORCED

INTERVENTION BY BRITAIN. fighting still spreading. MIDDLE EAST MUCH CONCERNED. (N.Z. Press Association— Copyright.) (Rec. 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 31. British forces have been ordered to intervene to restore peace in Syria and the Lebanon. This step was announced in the House of Commons by the Foreign Secretary (Mr Anthony Eden), who was promptly supported by the Labour Party. , Mr Eden said: “The situation has deteriorated still further since last night. Our Minister in Damascus reports that there was heavy firing and shelling during the night, and two great fires are burning in the centre of the city about one mile apart, but they are spreading. All telephone communications have been cut between Damascus and the sea coast, and we are only in touch with our Minister by wireless. An armistice was arranged with the French military authorities yesterday afternoon, and the British and United States civilian colonies were evacuated from Damascus. After that the centre of the city was subjected to the heaviest and most concentrated shelling yet directed upon it. It was also bombed from the air. “The Governor of Hama appealed to the 9th Army to arrange an armistice in order that the many dead and wounded could he evacuated,” said Mr Eden. “The fighting is spreading to other parts of Syria, notably Jebel Druse, where French officers have been taken prisoner. The President and Government of Syria have sent an urgent appeal to his Majesty’s Government reminding us that we endorsed the independence of Syria, and also that treaty negotiations with France, should be conducted freely and not under duress. “The greatest concern has been caused throughout the Middle East, and serious fears have been entertained for tranquility which is so necessary in that area if the vital line of communication with the Far East is not to be disturbed. ’ Every possible effort has been made to enjoin calm on both sides, and I do not think a further appeal in this sense would have any effect. “In all the circumstances, his Majesty’s Government has come to the conclusion that they cannot any longer stand aside, and the Prime Minister accordingly to-day sent a message to General de Gaulle concerning British intervention.