SYRIANS ATTACKING FRENCH ON SIGHT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 147, 23 June 1945, Page 5

SYRIANS ATTACKING FRENCH ON SIGHT

TENSE SITUATION

Some Driven Over The Turkish Border N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. 10.30 a.m. LONDON, June 22. Fierce North Syrian tribesmen are attacking French posts, on the Turkish-Syrian frontier, says the Associated Press Aleppo correspondent. They in at least one instance have driven the French across the Turkish border. There are daily incidents in the Aleppo area. Syrians are attacking the French on sight Feeling among the Moslems is rising. There is resentment that the French have not yet evacuated the area. Christians in Aleppo profess fear of attack by Bedouin tribesmen and a massacre in the Christian quarter, which is easily accessible from the desert.

The Syrian authorities discount the fears which, they allege, represent a French manoeuvre to retain control. ...

Some French are reported killed and others wounded at Jerablus on June 20. It is estimated that 30 others fled across a bridge into Turkish territory, where they were taken into protective custody. Airfield Contretemps . A plane bearing the Empress of Fawzia of Persia to , Cairo circled over Damascus airfield while a disjmte over her welcome was carried on between' the Syrian and French authorities. Then it was sent off without landing, says Reuters Beirut correspondent.

A radio message was sent to the pilot explaining the difficulties and asking him to fly back. The plane landed at ' Lydda and the British conveyed to the French authorities the Syrian Government's request that they should be allowed to give an official welcome at the airfield, which is under French control. The French contended that as the airfield was theirs they should at least be allowed to sham in the reception. The Syrian Government refused to agree and the dispute was still unsettled when the plane with the Royal visitor arrived over the airfield.