UNREST IN SYRIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23053, 2 June 1938, Page 13

UNREST IN SYRIA

ULTIMATUM TO FRANCE TURKS' THREAT OF ACTION ADMINISTRATION DISPUTE (Received June 1, 6.15 p.m.) LONDON. June 1 Turkey lias virtually sent ail ultimatum to France, it is understood, stating that Turkish troops will march into the Sanjak, or province, of Alexaiidretta unless the French concede control of the territory. The region is practically under martial law. The Sanjak will be holding its first elections on July 15, after which an independent Government will be established. After further rioting by the Turks in Antioch, in which three were killed, it is officially stated that registrations for the. elections in Alexandretta have been suspended, says the Antioch correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. The autonomous Sanjak of Alexandretta, which is in the Republic of Syria, was formed on January 1, 1925. By an agreement between France and Turkey in Geneva on January 26, 1937, the Sanjak was to enjoy complete internal autonomy within the framework of a Syro-Lebanese Federation, which would be in charge of customs and foreign relations. It was to be demilitarised and administered by a High Commissioner appointed by the League of Nations. Turkish was to be one of the official languages, and Turkey was to have a lease of part of the fort area of Alexandretta.