FRENCH ROLE IN

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 202, 24 May 1945, Page 7

FRENCH ROLE IN

LEVANT - Policy Declared

BRITISH HINT TO PARIS

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received May 23, 10.20 p.m.)

LONDON, May 23.

Speaking' at San Francisco today, a spokesman of the French delegation to UNCIO, M. Raymond Offroy, told a Press conference that France must maintain a dominant position in the Levant or .some other Great Power would replace her; M. Offroy declared that France was planning to use the Levant for airbases, depots and ports in the war against Japan. He added that neither Syria nor the Lebanon could guarantee its security in modern warfare, and therefore some Great Power must serve as the protector. The situation which is developing in Syria and the Lebanon is causing concern in London, and representations have been made to the French Government, reports the “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent. A grave misunderstanding is likely to occur in the Levant if the French persist in sending reinforcements there. The San Francisco delegations from Syria and Lebanon, in a joint statement to UNCIO, complained that the French Provisional Government bad been trying to establish a privileged position for France in Syria and the. Lebanon, but that those Governments did not want to give any such privilege. On the contrary, thev desired to treat all countries on a basis of absolute equality. The statement declared that when France despaired of persuading Syria and the Lebanon to yield she began sending in Senegalese troops. In spite of persistent and vigorous protests these troops proved a constant source of provocation. x French Demands. In this setting, the statement said, the French made a number of demands, including naval and air bases and special economic privileges. The French Note also stipulated that the Lebanese and Syrian national forces remain indefinitely under the French high command. _ All this led to uprisings and demonstrations. . The joint ’statement concluded : “It is strange that the French Provisional Government. when the world conference is convening to safeguard liberties and end aggression, should rely on worn-out methods.” _________