NO SELFISH DESIGNS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 12 June 1945, Page 5

NO SELFISH DESIGNS

BRITAIN AND THE LEVANT FRENCH ALLEGATIONS DENIED TRUE POSITION NOT UNDERSTOOD London, June 11 Sir Edward Griff, Minister of State in the Middle East, said: “Britain has no selfish designs in the Levant and does not want to assume further responsibility. She is not anxious for any trouble she can with honour avoid. Britain kept a substantial force in the Middle East because the Germans kept a strong force in the Dodecanese.” Sir Edward Griff denied that French press mes safes were cut by British censors and also denied that arms have been delivered to Syrian gendarmes.Sir Edward Grigg was addressing the press at Beirut before returning to Cairo. He denied General Roget’s allegations against the British in Syria, and declared that many Frenchmen have failed to understand the situation in the Levant. Sir Edward said: “When friends fall out, the least said the soonest mended, but a great deal has been said in the highest quarters in France which will not bear impartial investigation. All this must delay a settlement because it shows a complete misunderstanding, not only of British action, but of the true situation in the Levant.” Referring to General Roget, Sir Edward Grigg said: “The fact that he believes what he says bears almost terrifying witness to the manner in which he, with other Frenchmen, completely misconceived the realities of the situation.” General Paget, Commander-in-Chief in the Middle East, declined an offer from several Arab states to send troops to Syria to assist the gendarmerie, says Reuter’s Beirut correspondent. A British spokesman said : ‘ We are trying to get ourselves out as soon as possible. General Roget, formerly French commander in the Middle East, and yvho was recently recalled, has arrived in Beirut from Paris. No reason is given for the visit.