FRANCE AND SYRIA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18850, 1 May 1923, Page 7

FRANCE AND SYRIA

SAFEGUARDING THE FRONTIER, REPORTED TURKISH CONCENTRATION. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright PARIS, April 29. The newspapers state that GeneralWeygand is proceeding to the North Syrian frontier to take measures to safeguard the frontier in view of a reported Turkish concentration in the region. It is pointed out that General Weygand controls 26,000 troops in Syria, while two divisions of colonial troops are ready to reinforce him if necessary. But it is thought that the Turkish movements are not a prelude to an attack, but are more probably meant to support the Turkish bargaining at the Lausanne Conference. Meanwhile General ■Pelle is visiting Paris to report the result of recent conversations with Ismet Pasha regarding Franco-Turkish relations.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

By decision of the Supreme Council of the Allies Franco is administering Syria under a mandate. About a week ago the Pall Mall Gazette drew attention to the significance’ of the appointment of General Weygand (Marshal roch’s Chief of Stall) as Commander-in-Chief of Syria, in view of any unfavourable outcome at Lausanne.It is understood that General Weygand accepted the appointment on condition that sufficient troops were placed at his disposal to hold the territory.