DAMASCUS TERROR

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 3 November 1925, Page 7

DAMASCUS TERROR

PEOPLE DEPRESSED.

BRIGANDAGE INCREASING. THOUSANDS HOMELESS. BY CABLE—VBESS ASSOCIATION-COPYBIGHT. Received Nov. 3, 10.5 a.in. LONDON, Nov. 2. The 'Damascus correspondent of the Times says that the city remains quiet. The people are thoroughly depressed, but underneath, keen irritation and resentment are apparent over the fate that has befallen the city. Trains have partially resumed running. One of *.he main bazaars has resumed business and the people who fled from, the city are gradually returning. But if the townsfolk are subdued it is not uso with the brigands, who are roaming the surrounding districts. None of the roads outeide the city gate are safe. The French are doing their best to relieve the situation, but must await heavy reinforcements from- France, when it is hoped to plan a comprehensive enveloping movement. The (situation is rendered more serious by the daily increasing strength of the brigands, owing to the French burning villages in which they were reported to have been allowed to take refuge, converting the villagers thus rendered homeless into brigands. It is stated that there are now upwards of 80.000 people without homes. —Times. LONDON, Nov. 1.

The Daily Express understands that General Sarrail’s indiscretions are not limited to Damascus. The Express adds that information reached the British Foreign Office last week that the Turks were given permission to transport five thousand troops across Syria, to the border. Britain immediately protested to France, hut it was by no means clear that France had any alternative. There is strong reluctance on the part of France to rlo anything inimical to he,r relations with Turkey. The Damascus correspondent of the Dail- Express says Damascus is virtually n dead city after sunset. The curfew is enforced at 9 o’clock .in the evening, after which the hotels and cafes are closed and houses barred. A. special, court is trying suspects and speedily sentencing to death the guilty.