LEBANON INDEPENDENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 November 1943, Page 5

LEBANON INDEPENDENCE

CALM BEFORE THE STORM. (Rec. 11 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 18. Britain must step in soon m Lebanon, or what has happened there will be child’s play compared with what will happen in the future. This is the opinion expressed by an Arab notable who is well-informed on the Lebanon situation, says the British United Press correspondent, cabling from the Lebanon-Palestine border. “The present stage is the calm before the storm,” he added. “The situation at Beirut is a sort of armed truce. Both sides are waiting to see the outcome of the Catroux negotiations, but it is clear that the Lebanese have no intention of accepting any new Government.” King Farouk of Egypt, in a speech from the Throne, said he profoundly deplored the painful events in Lebanon, against which the Egyptian Government had immediately and strongly protested. “My Governrnent will'do everything possible to re-establish a normal situation and the triumph of right in this dear country.” King Farouk’s uncle. Prince Mohamed All, deputised for King Farouk, who is convalescing after a car accident. King Farouk also declared that Egypt was determined to keep her integrity and independence. < Syria is taking the necessary steps with the appropriate authorities in Lebanese interests, the Government spokesman told the Syrian Parliament in Damascus yesterday. The Algiers radio stated that the French Committee of National Liberation, also the Consultative Assembly and the Council of Resistance, 'were all in session to-day.