20 SEPTEMBER 1919, Page 2

The British and French Governments, with the Allies' ap- proval,

have come to an agreement • about Syria,- subject - to any future decision of the Peace Conference in regard to Asiatic Turkey. British troops are to evacuate Syria and Cilicia by the end of October. France is to undertake the provisional control of these regions; but she is not to garrison the-interior of Syria, especially the towns of Aleppo, Horns, Hama and Damascus, which are occupied by. Iledjaz Arab troops. Mosul Is to remain within the British sphere of influence, as geography would dictate. The new agreement relieves this country of a - task which we did not seek or desire, and should- make it clear to the French that we sympathize with their traditional interest in Syria.