IN DAMASCUS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 102, 27 October 1925, Page 6

IN DAMASCUS

"STREET CALLED STRAIGHT"

RUINED BY FRENCH FIRE

TANK TACTICS IN ANCIENT CITY.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT-.)

(PUBLISHED IS THE TIMES.)

(Received 27th October, 2 p.m.)

LONDON, 26th October

The Damascus correspondent of "The Times," lifting the veil from the actual situation in Damascus, says that St. Paul's "street called straight" has been almost destroyed, and lies in ruins, as tho result of tho French bombardment.

'Tho roadway is torn up by shellfiro; bazaars and shops are destroyed; and tho wholo area around the street is more or less demolished. Beautiful mosques and domes are badly holed, and Mosaic windows are shattered. Words fail to describe the spectacle which the sacred ancient city presents, witli some of its choicest and most historic spots in ruins. '"There had been njuch looting on tho night prior to the bombardment, mainly by Druse gangs, and tho old city resounded far and wide with the sound of rifle shots. French tanks, at high speed,traversed the streets, firing their guns for demonstration purposes. Tho bombardment lasted for forty-eight hours, and only ceased when the town notables agreed lo pay a heavy fine, and to surrender all rifles." '