Separation of the Christian majorities in Beirut and the Lebanons from the Moslem majorities of Damascus, Homs, Aleppo and Alexandretta, is being urged by unofficial French sources here, who say that the Moslem state, with its capital at Damascus, should be a constitutional monarchy under a Moslem prince, while the Lebanons should continue a republic with a Christian president.
Candidates for the Damascus throne are not lacking. The latest is the Prince Adil Ben Ayad who, it is claimed, is held in such respect in the Moslem world, that all parties would accept him. A “Frenchman,” he is descended from the ancient Arab line of the Ommyades. An ancestor of his was ambassador-extraordinary from the Bey of Tunis to Louis Phillippe. His grandfather was naturalized as a Frenchman under Napoleon III, obtaining in recognition for the services rendered France, the medal of Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor. His mother, Princess Roukie Fazil of Egypt, is the direct descendant of the great Mehmed Ali of Egypt. His wife is the nice of King Fuad of Egypt.
The Prince Adil Ben Ayad, who lives in Passy, in a sumptuous apartment, where marvelous treasures from the Orient are to be found side by side with pictures of famous masters, when asked why he aspired to the Syrian throne, had said that his Syrian friends think he is the only one fit to reign over Syria, where “monarchy is absolutely indispensable.”
“This unhappy country, which during so many years was so badly treated by the Turks, suffered cruelly during the War,” the prince who would be king is reported to have said. “It needs peace and tranquillity to heal the wounds and restore its wealth. Only a monarchy can give the Syrians this calm and tranquillity.
“France has done much for Syria. She must fulfill her mandate and then a treaty should be made between the two countries. Agitators for self-governing institutions are inciting Syrians against France and encouraging rebellion. If one day my ambitions are realized, I shall use every effort to make them love generous France, to which I am proud to belong.
“Aims which lead to progress in Syria will find in me a firm supporter. I want to bring happiness and justice to these people,” the prince said.
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