Report of Permanent Mandates Commission on Syrian Situation Published

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The official report of the Permanent Mandates Commission of the League of Nations on the situation in Syria was published here yesterday, together with the comments of the French representative and the report of Monsieur Under, Swedish representative. The report of the Mandates Commission criticizes the earlier administration of Syria and stresses particularly the lack of continuity in the French policy in Syria. It mentions the fact that during the period of 1919-1925 five different high commissioners were in office in Syria, excluding the acting high commissioners. One cause for the Druze revolt was the heavy-handed rule of one of the previous governors. A delegation of Druze notables was also treated abruptly by General Sarrail, who showed a want of sympathy and under-standing for the population, the report states.

The report of the Mandates Commission also points out the fact that the Syrian population suffered economically due to the circumstance that the Syrian monetary system was based on the parity of the French and Syrian currencies, which resulted in a two-fold disadvantage to the Syrian population and affected the immediate economic condition of Syria and Lebanon adversely.

The report notes, however, the announcement of the French that they will in the future assist the population of Syria to acquire the capacity for exercising sovereign and self-governing powers. The report expresses the conviction that Henri de Jouvenel, the present High Commissioner, shows by his acts that he adheres to this policy. The loyal cooperation of the native races with the Mandatory power is necessary for the establishment of peace and stability, the report states, adding that the Commission “regrets the continuation of considerable destruction of life and property in Syria.”