File 705/1916 Pt 1 'Arab revolt: reports' [‎232r] (11/494)

7
SYRIA.
Turkish Activities.
It appears that on 9th April the Turkish Decree condemning to death
(by default) the Sultan of Egypt was promulgated in Syria. Jemal Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. ,
after hanging and deporting the Syrian Arab leaders who sympathised with
the Entente, started an equally drastic campaign against the Pan-Arab
movement and has been busying himself with ruthless methods for exter
minating the Lebanese Christians by starvation. By the end of May some
25,000 troops had left Syria for the Caucasus.
By hanging recalcitrants and suchlike means Jemal Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. has been
forcing paper money on the country and collecting the gold, ,4X50,000
of which was destined for the purchase of transport camels from Ibn-el-
Rashid.
Condition of the People.
The health conditions in this country are deplorable. Drugs are no
longer to be had. The death-rate from infectious diseases is appalling.
The Maronite Patriarch returned to the Lebanon with 30 tons of flour,
and other consignments have subsequently been allowed to pass in.
Possibility of Revolt.
If it is true that the Anazeh and the Druses are already actively sup
porting the Arab movement in the district east of the line Aleppo, Homs,
Hama, Damascus, Deraa, it is possible that the tribes in the polygon
Meskene — Deir-zer-tel-Afar — Jeziret-ibn-Omar — Mardin — Ras-ul-Ain —
Haraan—Meskene may follow their lead at any moment. If the situation
develops on these lines the operations of the Grand Duke between Sairt
and Rowanduz would be materially assisted.
The French Government.
Captain Picart suggested unofficially at Cairo on 4th July that the
French should make a demonstration in Syria in order to assist the Sherif.
Captain Picart thought that native troops with French equipment and
a French technical detachment would be the first move, followed probably
by a body of Allied troops in support.
A non-committal attitude was adopted in answer, and the question has
been referred to London. It is thought in some quarters that until the
Sherif changes his attitude towards the French any such steps might
involve unpleasant complications, and that it is therefore better for him to
endeavour to consolidate his position in Hejaz for the present independently
of Allied intervention in Syria.
SINAI.
Enemy Activities.
Down to the end of June all was reported quiet. The progress of the
railway appears slow; the rail-head is now if miles north-east of Kossaima.
There have been no military activities of any significance on either side.