The French have taken sharp measures in Syria. Last week
General Gouraud,- the High Commissioner, sent an ultimatum to the Emir Feisul, who accepted it. French troops on the march to Damascus were, however, attacked last Saturday. After a severe action they scattered the Emir's forces, and occupied
Damascus on Sunday. The French also occupied Aleppo after a slight skirmish. General Gouraud announced on Monday that the Emir had ceased to reign and that the Syrian forces must be disbanded and the inhabitants disarmed. A new Syrian Ministry has been formed to co-operate with the Mandatory Power. It is significant that the large and wealthy city of Damascus made no serious effort on behalf of the Emir. We may infer that the feelings of the comfortable Syrian townsmen, in presence of the spirited tribesmen from the Hedjaz and the desert, are much the same as those of the donee bellies and burgesses of old Edinburgh and Glasgow when the wild Highlanders came to town and strode about with the air of disdainful conquerors. Between townsfolk and nomads there is no real sympathy. The King of the Hedjaz, the Emir's father, has recalled his envoy, from the Peace Conference, and has protested to the League of Nations against the French action.
