THREE SYRIAN WARS

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16654, 20 November 1925, Page 5

THREE SYRIAN WARS

HEAVY FIGHTING

TYRE AND SIDOW IN JEOPARDY GUNBOATS BUSHED TO THE SCENE Further fighting is reported from Syria, Tyre and Sidon are reported to bo in danger of capture and French gunboats and troops have been rushed to the scene. The new French Commissioner declares that there are three distinct wars in progress in the country. He has been promised all the troops necessary to queil the disturbances.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received November 20, 9.30 a.m, JERUSALEM, Nov. 19,

The French are rushing troops and gunboats lo Sidon and Tyre, which are iu imminent danger of capture. They have arrested an insurgent agent who was endeavouring lo persuade the population of Lebanon to rebel.

Fighting has broken out outside of Damascus and also at Metullali five miles from the Palestine border. LONDON, Nov. 19.

The Daily Mail’s Paris correspondent says M. de Jouvenel, the newlyappointed Commissioner to Syria, is going to London to-day to discuss with Mr. Chamberlain, British Foreign Minister, Hie Near East situation. Ho says there are three sorts ‘of war in Syria, namely: (1) Against France; (2) religious feud between Lebanon and Syrians; (3) civil war. The country is suffering through intrigues by gunshot. The greatest need is an allround collaboration in the spirit of the League of Nations. M. dc Jouvenel adds: “M. Painleve has promised me all the troops necessary to make my task successful.”

PARIS, Nov. 19

General Sarrail, reporting lo the Chamber’s Foreign Affairs and Army Committees, paid tributes to the assistance of the British Foreign War Office’s officials, but be bitterly complained regarding other British representatives’ intervention. Biassed messages caused a panic. A communique which was issued after the examination of General Sarrail staled that M. Briand, Foreign Minister, paid a tribute in Hie course of the proceedings to the loyal and cordial collaboration of the British authorities throughout the events in Syria, lie was convinced that the same collaboration would also be afforded in the future.

A telegram from Beirut slates that, there were no rebel operations yesterday. A few bands were noticed cast of Damascus.

Reports published in the newspaper stating that Aleppo, Palmyra and Deireiz.or had joined in the rebellion are baseless.

FRENCH ENCIRCLING MOVEMENT

DRUSES COMPLETELY DEFEATED

AEROPLANES IN ACTION

(Received Nov. 20, 11.30 a.m.)

PARIS, November 20

From Beirut the French have begun two big encircling movements, by which it is hoped to clear the rebels from Lebanon.

- A Frencli column is marching from Rayak to Jcbel Nabataye, with the object of cutting off 3000 Druses. The French completely defeated the Druses north-west of liasbiya. Seven aeroplanes bombed Mcrjiayun, making Hie position of Hie Druses untenable.

ALL QUIET IN DAMASCUS.

INSURGENTS MOVING SOUTH-WEST

DRUSES’ CONDITIONS OF PEACE

(Reuter.) Received November 20, 11.45 a.m DAMASCUS, Nov. 19

All is quiet in Damascus

It is reported that most of the insurgents have migrated south-west towards Southern Lebanon, where the Druses have captured Mcrjiayun. The Christian Lebanese attempts to defend their villages against Die Druses will quickly evaporate if the Druses appear in any strength.

Druse notables state they are willing to negotiate for peace, on the basis of complete autonomy, with French advisers.