We are particularly sorry to see in several French newspapers
rather bitter attacks upon the Anglo-Persian Agreement. It may be that this is due to a misunderstanding of the facts, or it may be, as has been suggested, that the French critics think it unfair that British foreign affairs should be settled in advance of the settlement of the Syrian problem in which France is so intimately concerned. We cannot discuss the extraordinarily intricate Syrian imbroglio now, but let us say that, though the various and rather contradictory promises which were made to Syria during the war at a very perplexing time are a natural impediment in the way of a speedy settlement, there is nothing whatever in the nature of jealousy against the French here in respect of their Syrian demands. If the Syrians would settle down happily under French rule, Englishmen—we are sure we may speak for the vast majority of the nation—would sing " Partant pour la SyHe " when a French Administration took ship for the- East as heartily as the French themselves.
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