DAMASCUS RIOTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 283, 3 November 1925, Page 9

DAMASCUS RIOTS

PEOPLE THOROUGHLY DEPRESSED. ACTIVITY OF BRIGAND'S. (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) Received November 3, 8.55 a.m. LONDON, Nov. 2. The Times’s Damascus correspondent says: “’Tho city remains quiet. 'The jieople are thoroughly depressed, but underneath this depression keen irritation and resentment are apparent over the fato that has befallen the city. Tho trams have jiartially resumed running; one of the main bazaars has resumed business, and the peojjle who fled the city are gradually returning. But it the townsfolk aro subdued, not so the brigands, who are roaming over the surrounding districts. None of tho roads outside the city gates is safe. The French aro doing their best to relieve the situation, but they must await heavy reinforcements from France when, on their arrival, it is hoped to plan a comprehensive enveloping movement. “The situation is rendered more serious by tho daily increasing strength of tho brigands owing to the French burning the villages wherein they were reported to have been allowed to take refuge, converting tho villagers thus rendered homeless into brigands. It is stated now that upwards of 80,000 are homeless.” —Times. CURFEW ENFORCED AT NINE. SUSPECTS BEING TRIED. LONDON, Nov. 1. The Daily Express understands that General Sarrail’s indiscretions have not been limited to Damascus. Tho Express adds that information reached the British Foreign Office last week that the Turks had been granted permission to transport 5000 troops across Syria to the Mesopotamian border. Britain immediately protested to France, but it is by no means clear that France had any alternative. There is strong reluctance on the part of Frgnoo to do anything inimical to her relations with Turkey. Tho Express's Damascus corresjiondent says that Damascus is virtually a dead city after sunset. Tho curfew is enforced at nine in the evening, after which hotels and cafes are closed and the houses barred. A special Court is trying suspects and speedily sentencing those found guilty to death. —A. and N.Z. cable.