MANDATE OVER SYRIA

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 253, 20 July 1920, Page 5

MANDATE OVER SYRIA

RECOGNITION DEMANDED BY FRANCE FEISUL CONVENES COUNCIL OF WAR Br Telegraph—Presi Association—OopyricM Cairo, July 18. Advices from Haifa state that General Nouri has arrived at Damascus and presented General Gouraud's terms demanding the recognition of Franco's mandnte ever all Syria, the unrestricted military use of the railways, tho punishment of tho Arab chiefs responsible for the recent outrages, and suppression of the anti-French movements on the frontiers. The Emir Feisul lias convened a Council of War to discuss the situation. It is feared that a section of tho Arab* is determined to fight to the last, even if Damascus submits. The Frcnoh aro ready for an immediate advance, and arc well supplied with aeroplanes and artillery. A later messago from Jerusalem states that tho Council of AYav at Damascus ordered a general mobilisation as an answer to the French ultimatum. Genoral Gouraud will await a formal reply till July 19. If submission, is not then tendered, ho will proceed to teenny Aleppo and march upon Damascus. Tho French have already cut tho Renal; railway junction. The Emir Feisul has sent an emissary to General Allenby to ask for intervention—"The Times." INDEPENDENCE OF LEBANON DECLARED EY ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL. . Cairo, July 18. Advices from Damascus report that the Administrative Council of Lebanon declared the independence of Lebanon after refusing the French mandate. The declaration has occasioned surprise, as the majority of tho council are Maronites, who are. mostly supporters of the French. The French captured members of Hie council who wore proceeding to Europe to state' their case.—Renter.