IMPARTIAL STAND

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

IMPARTIAL STAND

British Statement On The Levant Situation PRESERVE liAW AND ORDER Rec. 1 p.m. RUGBY, June 22. The situation in the Levant is clarifiedain a statement issued by the British Government, which says: "The fundamental issue is not one of- Anglo-French relations but rather a question of what are to be the future relations between France and the Levant States. As the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State have explained, the British Government has endorsed General de Gaulle's promise of independence to Syria and Lebanon, but the intervention of British troops-became imperative, because local events in Syria" seemed likely to disturb the whole Middle East and hamper the Allied war. effort. :... :gc m _. ■ ,

"The instructions ,given .to. .the Commander-in-Chief of the Middle East forces by the British Government were to intervene with a view to the restoration and maintenance of order pending some solution of the situation in the ' Levant States through diplomatic action. In the execution of these orders the British troops occupied the main centres where fighting was taking place or threatening to start. When order had been restored to some degree it was found necessary that French units which had been actively engaged in fighting in certain towns where actual conflict had taken place should be evacuated. This measure was essential in order to remove a cause for possible further clashes. As French civilians remaining in these towns were in danger of their lives, they were also evacuated. "Now that the main disorders have been suppressed in those towns where disturbances occurred it is intended the civic authorities should resume at the earliest moment as great a measure as possible of the responsibility for maintaining law and order throughout those particular towns and the country in general.

"The Syrian and Lebanese Governments are primarily. responsible for the maintenance of order within their territories. In the event of disturbances which cannot be dealt with by the forces at the disposal of the Government, the local British commander will be authorised to take such impartial action as is considered .necessary to re-estabUsh order and normal control through the civil' authorities. It must be clearly -understood that intervention by British troops implies no- intention -on the part of the British to supplant the French in Syria and Lebanon. The British authorities do not intend to prejudice in any way a final solution, .of the situation in the Levant States. British military forces will not be used otherwise than impartially, and if they have to intervene further to prevent disturbances in the interests of the war effort of the Allied Nations the British commanders will take action against anyone responsible for creating such' disturbances."