Syrian Press Critical of Transjordan’s Independence; Lebanon Challenges Treaty

Syrian newspapers reaching here today from Beirut are critical of the British-Transjordan treaty, under which the latter became an independent country.

The newspaper Barudah says: “The treaty which Emir Abdullah, ruler of Transjordan, considers a personal victory is actually nothing more but an official recognition by Abdullah of the British occupation of his country.”

The newspaper Aleman writes: “At a time when the Arab world joins Egypt and Lebanon in their demand for the withdrawal of foreign troops, Transjordan consents to become the center of British imperialism. This will affect the entire Arab world and particularly Syria which considers Transjordan an integral part of herself.”

The newspaper Al-Akhbar wonders what motive actuated the Arab League to congratulate Transjordan. The Beirut paper Orient says that the treaty makes Transjordan a British military bastion in the Arab world.

It was reported here today that several members of the Arab League have indicated their dissatisfaction with the British-Transjordan treaty and are insisting that Transjordan should submit the treaty for ratification to the Arab League in accordance with the provisions of its constitution. It was also reported that the Lebanese delegation to the League council has submitted an official protest and asked the League to discuss the treaty.

(A report from Cairo today to the New York Times says that the Arab League charged its secretary-general with locating the ex-Mufti of Jerusalem and other exiled or “displaced” Arabs and facilitating their “repatriation.” The League’s council voted to establish a repatriation fund which will be reimbursed by the Arab states whose citizens are returned, the report said).