MOSLEM LEADER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20708, 7 March 1942, Page 6

MOSLEM LEADER

BREAK WITH ITALY INFLUENCE IN SYRIA (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Prenß Aphii.i CAIRO. Feb. 22. The influence of the great Arab chieftain, Ibn Saud, in breaking off diplomatic relations with Italy, will extend throughout the whole Moslem world, reports the Sydney Sun’s war correspondent in Syria. Ibn Saud personally rules about 9,000.000 fanatically loyal Moslems, to whom he is a sacred figure. But his power does not end there. He is also venerated by many millions of other Moslems outside his own territorial boundaries.

It is reasonable to assume that the entry of the United States into the war helped Ibn Saud to make up his mind. It is only a few years since he accepted an American bid for large oil concessions in his territory, though the American terms were 40 per cent lower than those offered by the highest opposing bidder, who on that occasion was Japan, acting aS a "dummy” for Italy and Germany.

Ibn Saud’s lead must exert direct influence on the position in Syria and reduce the prospect of success by a German invasion—even :f Germany is able seriously to contemplate a plan for pushing through Turkey at the same time as she is staggering from the Red Army’s incessant blows. Syria’s native population is, cn the whole friendly to the Allies. Christian natives and also many Moslems in Syria are 100 per cent pro-British and anti-Axis.