FRENCH LANDING IN LEVANT

Southland Times, Issue 25680, 24 May 1945, Page 5

FRENCH LANDING IN LEVANT

Grave Concern In London (Rec. 9.50 p.m.) LONDON, May 23. The situation developing in Syria and the Lebanon is causing grave concern in London, and representations have been made to the French Government, reports the diplomatic correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. A grave misunderstanding is likely to occur in the Levant if the French persist in landing reinforcements there. A message from San Francisco states that the Syrian and Lebanon delegations in a joint statement to UNCIO complained that the French Provisional Government had been trying to establish a privileged position for France in Syria and the Lebanon, but those Governments did not want to give any country such a privilege. On Hie contrary, they desired to treat all countries on a basis of absolute equality. The statement declared that when France despaired of persuading Syria and the Lebanon to yield, the Provisional Government began sending in Senegalese troops, despite persistent and vigorous protests. These troops had proved a constant source of provocation. In this setting the French had made a number of demands, including those for naval and air bases and special economic privileges. A French Note also stipulated that the Lebanese and Syrian national forces remain indefinitely under the French High Command. All this had led to uprisings and demonstrations.

The joint statement concluded: “It is strange that the French Provisional Government, when the world conference is trying to safeguard liberties and end aggression, should -rely on wornout methods.