MORE PROTESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25210, 24 May 1945, Page 5

MORE PROTESTS

LEVANT SITUATION CONCERN IN LONDON GRAVE FEARS EXPRESSED rr.ral. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 23 The situation developing in Syria and Lebanon is causing concern in London and representations have been made to the French Government, reports the Daily Telegraph's diplomatic correspondent. A grave misunderstanding is likely to occur in the Levant if the French persist in sending reinforcements there. A message from San Francisco states that the delegations from Syria and Lebanon in a joint statement to the United Nations Conference complained that the French Provisional Government has been trying to establish a privileged position for France in Syria and Lebanon, but the Governments of those States do not want to give any country such privilege. On the contrary, they desire to treat all countries on a basis of absolute equality. The statement said that when France despaired of persuading Syria and Lebanon to yield the Provisional Government began sending in Senegalese troops, in spite of persistent and vigorous protests. These troops, proved a constant source of provocation. The French made a number of demands, including naval and air bases and special economic privileges. The French Note also stipulated that, the Lebanese and Syrian national forces remain indefinitely under the French High Command. All this led to uprisings and demonstrations. The joint statement concluded: "It is strange that the French Provisional Government, when a world conference is being convened to safeguard liberties and end aggression, should rely on wornout methods." There was an Arab strike in Palestine yesterday in support of Syria and Lebanon.