IMPERIAL COMPLICATIONS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 34, 8 August 1925, Page 7

IMPERIAL COMPLICATIONS

THE DRUSE AFFAIR AND ITS

EFFECT,

(PUBLISHED IN THE TIMES.) (Received Bth August, 10 a.m.)

LONDON, 7th August. It is reported from Beirut that France is faced with a further Imperial complication by the rebellion of the Jobel Druses, south of Damascus, adjoining British Trans-Jordania. It is rumoured that the rebels have captured Sueida, the French seat of government.

TEe Paris correspondent of "The Times" says there is no confirmation of this report, but it is unofficially stated that the French garrison has been isolated for some days.

Official circles are disposed to minimise the rebellion, taking the view that the whole trouble has arisen through the absence of an influential political officer, who is now on furlough. ■ Franco does not believe that the revolt amounts to an Islamic rising, but the Government is becoming anxious, and has instructed General Sarrail to report fully.

The word "jebel" means "mountain"; the country inhabited by the Druses is m mounTiaious area,, Jabel Hauran, about 60 miles east of the sea of Galilee. Sueida is on the western side of the area.