THE SYRIAN RISING.

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5537, 20 July 1920, Page 5

THE SYRIAN RISING.

ARABS AGAINST FRENCH

MANDATE

FRENCH READY TO ADVANCE ON DAMASCUS. ALLENBY ASKED TO INTERVENE. CAIRO. July 18. Advices from Thaifa state that General Noun lias arrived at Damascus and presented General Gourand’s terms, demanding recognition of Franco’s mandate over all Syria,Hhe unrestricted use of military railways, punishment of Arab chiefs responsible for the recent outbreaks, and suppression of anti-French movements on the frontier. The Emperor Peisal convened a War Council 'to discuss the situation. It is feared a section of Arabs are determined to fight to the last, even if Damascus submits.

The French are ready for an immediate advance. They are well supplied with aeroplanes and artillery. A later message from Jerusalem states that the War Council at Damascus has ordered a general mobilisation was an answer to the kronen ultimatum. General Gtourand awaits a formal reply till the 19th. If submission is not tendered he proceeds to occupy Aleppo and march upon Damascus. The' French have already cut the Rezak railway junction. . . n 1 Feisal sent an emissary to General Allenbv to ask for intervention. Advices from Damascus report that the Lebanon Administration Council has declared the independence of Lebanon after infusing the French mandate. The declaration occasioned surprise, as a majority ot the Council are Maromtes. who were mostly supporters of the French. The French captured members of the Council who were proceeding to Europe to state their ease.—Times.