The power of the Emir Feisul is based on the
important towns of Damascus, Aleppo, Horns and Hamah, and the French desire that their mandate should extend over the whole of Syria, including, of course, the towns and the territory which is loyal to Feisul. The French apparently do not insist that they should actually rule all Syria, but that they should be able to rely upon the Emir Feisul's co-operation. So far from this co-operation being forthcoming the railway has been continually cut, and the French have been attacked near Beyrout. General Gouraud has occupied Rayak. which is between Aleppo and DIIMISCLIB, but he has not touched one of the towns which wholeheartedly support the Emir Feisul. The effects of a bad rupture would be so serious throughout the Middle East that we earnestly hope that a practical compromise may be very soon reached.
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