The Position in Syria
A large number, probably the great majority, of French soldiers and officials in Syria view with intense disgust the hilmiliating surrender of Syrian aerodromes to German airmen; who are using French territory as a jumping-off ground for attacks against Britain in Iraq. The arrival of Colonel Collet with a party of French troops in Palestine to join General De Gaulle is symptomatic, and it is reported that other French soldiers in considerable numbers are following suit. But General Dentz, the French High Commissioner, whatever his personal feelings may be, is obedient to the orders of Vichy; and General Fougeres, the commander of the Army, an Anglophobe after Admiral Darlan's own heart (his resignation has this week been reported, without explanation), has been denouncing the British in his addresses to officers and degrading those who have freely shown their sympathy for the Free French. But the fact that such measures are thought necessary shows how the wind blows. Doubtless it would be a great mistake to count upon negligible French resistance if our High Command decided to forestall a more complete German occupation of Syria and entered the country to oust the enemy from the aero- dromes and seize defensive positions. But this would be a far simpler operation than that which would confront us if once tile Germans established an army in Syria. The Vichy repre- sentatives have betrayed their Mandatory trust by admitting the Germans. The presence of the enemy on Syrian aerodromes is ample justification for seeking him out with our forces and fighting him there—provided the necessary forces are available.
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