SYRIAN WAR

Grey River Argus, 11 August 1925, Page 5

SYRIAN WAR

THE FRENCH frET BACK. (Australian and N,Z, (.’able Assn.) (Received August 10 lit 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, August 9. The Beirut correspondent of “The Times” says: “Tho latest French reverse at Jebel-Druses accurred seven miles from Sticida, where the Druses attacked the native French rearguard in the darkness. The latter resisted only feebly. The entire force was thrown into confusion, and were compelled to withdraw to Izrail, awaiting reinforcements. The latter have reached Izrnh, where an advance ia full strength is now preparing. It is impossible to move at present, owing to excessive heat mid to a scarcity of water. It is believed that the citadel of Hneida has sufficient water, provisions and ammunition to hold out until relief arrives. The rebels have burned the Government House and loyalists’ dwellings, and hav e looted the bazaars and foreign houses. The French are receiving applications for protection daily from Moslem, as well a. 4 Christian tribes, who complain of t)ii> rebels’ excesses of severity.

FRENCH CONFIDENT OF QUELLING DRUSE,B, PARIS, August 9. M. Painlcvil, Prime Aliinis Jias received a telegram from Syria to the effect that Jebel-Druse is now quiet. Official quarters declare that the trouble has been purely a local one. The Beirut correspondent of “I.e Temps” telegraphs that there is no question of tho despatch of a regular expedition against the Druses. The French already possess adequate forces in the Levant, to put down the revolt. The casualties arc much below the figurts given. The French staff in Beirut are confident of their ability to deal with the Lfuation. SARRAIL’S REPORT. ONLY A MINOR SCRAP. (Received August 10 at <5.5 p.m.) PARIS, August 9. General Sarrail has telegraphed to Premier Paink-vc stating the fighting in Syria has practically boon confined to two attacks on two French punitive columns, the first of which was overwhelmed by the Druses, u.nl lust one hundred out of one hundred and s : xtv mon. The second column withdrew after losing its ammunition convoy. Sneidn has not fallen, and is still occupied by th t > French.