PROSPECTS IN SYRIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 24000, 25 June 1941, Page 6

PROSPECTS IN SYRIA

As a natural sequel to the fall of Damascus, it is being freely predicted that the campaign in Syria is almost over. One forecast goes so far as to suggest that effective resistance to the British and Free French forces will have ended within a week. The prospects are favourable, especially as the en couraging reports are increasinglv circumstanlial, hut, nobody should be unduly disappointed if the prophecies are not fulfilled to the letter. I he whole territory of Syria is wide, and a glance at the map shows that the area in which the notable successes have been won is relatively small. Organised resistance on any considerable scale may not last much longer. One report says that the Vichy forces have exhausted their oil

supplies, and therefore cannot hold out further. At the beginning of the campaign the Vichy authorities indicated that the problem of supply was insoluble, and it may well he that the virtual isolation—except by air—in which the French forces have had to operate is now producing the anticipated result. Of course, there is always the possibility of scattered groups carrying on guerilla warfare, but to do this among a native population which will not be particularly sympathetic, even if not definitely hostile, would not be a very hopeful undertaking. It may he assumed that, when organised resistance does end, so will the campaign for practical purposes. Even if that time comes soon, the occupation will not have been a swift achievement, judged by present-day standards. That need not be regretted if the deliberation has ensured the avowed British objective of avoiding needless bloodshed.