BOMBARDMENT OF DAMASCUS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16870, 27 October 1925, Page 13

BOMBARDMENT OF DAMASCUS.

HISTORIC STREET IN RUINS.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) (Received October 27, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 26.

Tile Times’ Damascus coiTcfipeitdcnt, lifting the veil as to the actual situation in Damascus, says: “St. Paul’s street—the ‘Street Called' Straight,’ in I lie Acts of tlie Apostles—is almost destroyed and lies in- ruins as n result of the French bombardment.

The roadway has been torn up by shellfire. Bazaars and shops have been destroyed and the whole area round, the Street is mere or less demolished.

The beautiful denies of the mosques have been badly holed ami tlie mosaic windows shatfeved.

Words fail to describe the spectacle which the sacred and ancient city presents with some of the choicest historic spots in ruiiisf. There was much looting iff tlie night prior to the bombardment, 'mainly' by Druse gangs. Tlie old city resounded far aiid Vide with flic sound of rifle shots. French tanks, at high speed, traversed tlie streets, fifing guns for demonstration purposes. The bombardment lasted for 48 hours, and only ceased when the notables agreed fo pay a heavy fine arid surrender all rifles.