AH UGLY OUTLOOK.

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16652, 18 November 1925, Page 7

AH UGLY OUTLOOK.

DRUSE REBELLION. PILLAGE AND MURDER RAMPANT. ENERGETIC ACTION NECESSARY. The news from Syria indicates a very ugly situation. It is stated that massacre and pillage are rampant, murders being committod on almost all roads. Communication with Damascus Is only possible by small convoys, with strong advance and roar guards, and it is affirmed that the French will require a powerful army if the rebels are to be subdued. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Received Nov. 18, 10.10 a.m.) PARIS, November 17. The special correspondent of the Petit Parisian at Damascus says the situation in Syria is stilt serious. Damascus is only reachable by small convoys preceded by armed detachments and followed by tanks. The Druses or bandits wait for the opportunity to pillage and massacre. Murders are being committed on almost all the roads at Lebanon, but North Syria is calm. Energetic, action is essential. The Petit Journal publishes photographs of Syrian rebel airmen, accompanied by foreign instructors from Casablanca. SITUATION IN SYRIA. BANDITS ORGANISED. ARMY 6f 60,000 REQUIRED. LONDON, November t 6. The Damascus correspondent of the Times says the situation in Syria is steadily growing worse, and that unless something is speedily done, the wave of rebellion will sweep the whole country. Banditry has assumed an organised character. It is being directed by the. Druses, who arc daily gaining new adherents. The correspondent conliucs: ‘‘l doubt whether _ the 40.000 troops which France proposes to send to Syria will be sufficient to cope with the situation. I estimate that at least 60,000 men will be required to restore order. “The French Government must send a proper army to deal with the situation, or make peace with the Druses. There is no middle course.”