SYRIAN CAPITAL CALM

Press, Volume C, Issue 29633, 2 October 1961, Page 11

SYRIAN CAPITAL CALM

Nasser Calls Off Military Action (N ZJP .A.-Reuter—Coppripht)

DAMASCUS, September 30.

Tanks and armoured cars patrolled the streets of Damascus today, but the city was calm after Thursday’s revolution. All civil servants were back at work, and the “Arab-Syrian” flag was flying from all Government and official buildings.

Many foreigners were stranded, but there were hopes that the frontier would be reopened soon. No cables were being accepted at the Post Office.

President Nasser yesterday called off his all-out military action against the revolutionaries to “avoid bloodshed.'*

But before he had done so, 200 of his paratroopers had been killed and another 120 had surrendered, Damascus Radio said.

In a speech over Cairo Radio, President Nasser said he had ordered 2000 paratroopers into action, but withdrew the order when faced with the question "should Arab blood be shed by Arab hands.”

He claimed there were demonstrations against the mutiny in Aleppo, site of a big military base, and Latakia, in northern Syria. Rebel Claim The rebels said over Damascus Radio that 200 of President Nasser's paratroopers had been “wiped out” when they landed in Latakia on Friday night. Another 120 dropped yesterday, but they surrendered. All Egyptian soldiers and civilians in Syria were today ordered to report to Army headquarters so they could be sent home with their families.

A communique said any Egyptian male who failed to report to the military commander in his area by 10 a m. tomorrow would face punish. menL

In Cairo today, truck-loads of men converged on the Kubbeth Palace, President Nasser's official residence, chanting slogans in favour of the President and Arab unity. Demonstrations in support of President Nasser were also reported from Gaza. The "man in the street’’ in Cairo appeared unconcerned about the situation and there was no sign of tension. Recognition Issue In Washington, the State Department said it was “premature to consider the question” United States recognition of the Syrian rebels. Reuter reported. The department said the United States still recognised the United Arab Republic “as of now.”

A spokesman said that he was not aware of any overtures by the Syrian Army insurgents for United States recognition.

The spokesman, Mr Joseph Reap, told a press conference: “The department’s information continues to indicate that the uprising is of inlr-na] origin. "We have no information that would contradict public reoorts on the military situation.”

To renorters’ queries on United States recognition of the rebels, Mr Reap said: "That question is not before us. It is premature to consider the question ” Countries officially recognising the revolutionary Government so far are Jordan and Turkey. Government’s Plan

Syria's new Government went into operation today with a five-point programme and plans to restore constitutional life within four months. The new moderate Rightwing Prime Minister (Dr Mamoun Kuzbari), appointed yesterday by leaders of the revolt against Egypt, listed the aims of his Government after Damascus Radio said he had been authorised to issue legislative laws until Parliamentary elections took place The programme outlined by Dr. Kuzbari listed these alms: — 1. Restoration of cardinal

freedoms and the inunedi--ate abrogation of emergency laws. 2. “Perfection” of the Army 3. Trade junion freedom and a share in profits and in factory administration for workers. 4. Economic prosperity through the stabilising of the currency and prices, a higher standard of living, increased production and respect for legitimate profits. 5. Measures to provide conditions for an efficient civil service. Dr. Kuzbari’s statement, broadcast by Damascus Radio, said his Government would co-operate with all Arab States and work with them to bring about “real and total unity of the Arabs on the basis of freedom and equality.”

The Government would honour the Arab League Charter and international treaties and adhere to the United Nations Charter. Dr. Kuzbari told a press conference last night that his Government will set up a special Ministry for press and news.

An overnight eurfew was clamped down in Damascus and Syria remained ringed by a security barrier. Problem for U.N.

Syria’s proclamation of secession from her three-year-old union with Egym created an extraordinary problem for United Nations legal experts today. They said there was no precedent for the situation that would arise if an independent Syria applied for United Nations membership Both Syria and Egypt held separate seats as foundermembers of the organisation but the independent membership ceased after the creation of the United Arab Republic in February. 1958 Their two seats were merged into one. and Mr Omar Loufti. who previously had been Egypt’s resident representative. was appointed senior envoy of the U.A.R., which became the single successor.

Observers said that an entirely fresh problem would be created now if Syria demanded the return of her United Nations seat and legal experts said it was very hard to 'offer an opinion on it.

Ban Relaxed.— China has relaxed a ban on the import of luxury items such as cigar, ettes, bicycles and watches from Hong Kong. According to some of the colony’s proCommunist Chinese language newspapers, such goods can now be sent through dealing in the “food parcels to China” trade.— Hong Kong, Oct. 1.