3 APRIL 1926, Page 2

* * The Commission tells again the familiar story of

how the Syrian people were provoked by rapid and unnecessary changes of policy. Since 1919 there have been five High Commissioners, and each bad strong views about what ought to be done, but views which did not coincide with those of either his predecessor or his successor. The Commission deals most courageously with delicate matters when it points out that many of the French officials were unfitted for their work, and that the linking of the Syrian currency to the French franc was a mistake. The Commission is particularly severe on General Sarrail for his obstinacy, and suggests that he ought to have been recalled _sooner. On the other hand, the Com- mission evidently has confidence in the new High Commissioner, M. de Jouvenel, whom it expeets to carry out the avowed policy of establishing a free Govern- ment in Syria and the Lebanon.