Document concerning the French mandate in Syria, 1922

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„»„nflrned over the situation In Syria.
I friends of francs are concerned over J  Is, 1     J
I , nv the present outlook i. satisfactory ZZZZffZ
Superficially the pre lnt9rfer. with an award
«iihe anticipated opposition did not in
* JB,    for svria to Prance at the recent meeting of  the leagu.
of thh/taanoate for Syria ™
of «sins.   That there are real difficulties blocking a satisfactory
aolution of the Syrian problem is, however, suggestedfby disquieting
reports in the press and critical references in the  debates of the
Deputies.    The large sums required for the Syrian budget this  year.
including extensive appropriations for the army of occupation,  aroused
opposition in the Chamber of Deputies that was quelled only by the
personal appsal of the Premier and the; final appropriations, at that,
were cut considerably below administration estimates.
The rumor has been persistent that despite the  expenditure1
of millions of francs for many non-military improvements of real advantage
to Syria the population is hostile to the French mandate and  that this
hostility has inoreased during the  three years of oooupation.    To  the
oasual tourist the country has been tranquil enough but several  travelers
who have studied the situation more closely have reported that this outward tranquility belied the true thoughts and feelings of the great
majority of the inhabitants and  that it was maintained only by the
presence of some-forty thousand soldiers,  chisfly French, with adequate
equipment including aeroplanes,  tanks and heavy artillery.
That the tranquility has been superficial is indicated by
the demonstrations during the recent visit of Mr.   Charles B.  Crane to
*"•    Mr*  °ran- iB " °14 *-« * ** solans  and  hadf lest %M
Stanford, CA SSHUST n8t'tUtl°n *"**•+