31 OCTOBER 1925, Page 1

It is only fair to say that Frenchmen at home

are as much concerned as foreign observers aboiit the events in Syria. It is to be expected that if General Sarrail, the High Commissioner, is not recalled he will at least be required as soon as possible to give an account of his stewardship. Finally, it is very important to remember that France holds Syria under a mandate from the League. What would Great Britain do if in some country for which she held a mandate scenes of horror and destruction had occurred like those at Damascus ? Surely she would. ask for an immediate inquiry by the League, and if she felt able to exculpate her representatives she would state her case to the League and would ask for an acquittal at the bar of public opinion. We do not know how this reasoning would appeal to the French Govern. ment, but we shall not rule out the possibility that some- how or other they will show a willingness to seek the judgment of the League. If they fail to make a sign the . League ought spontaneously to raise the question.

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