21 NOVEMBER 1925, Page 2

The situation in Syria is still 'extremely uncomfortable. The -Druses

have captured Hasbeiya, and this success has increased "their confidence and energy. Another bad sign is the intensive activity of the bandits. The special eorrespondent of the Times at Damascus says Political brigandage is rampant and has assumed an organized character." Druse fighters are attaching themselves to the various brigand bands. The French, it is true, arc holding the principal towns and the railways, but the Times -correspondent says that their work is only pallia- tive and that reinforcements are urgently needed. The chief need is for seasoned troops. The correspondent concludes that the 'French Government must make up its mind either to send an adequate army or to come to terms with the Druses. That, we are sure, is the common sense of the matter, and we suggest that inquiries should be made as to what could be offered in order to -make amends for the unwise treatment of the Druses in the past which has been generously admitted in France.