"l, A large proportion of the professional soldiers, belonging to the Foreign Legion and to colonial formations, were trained to the strictest obedience.
"9. Extreme care was taken to misrepresent the issue by concealing the aims of the Germans, who had, fled in the meanwhile. all disappeared into Iraq and Turkey, leaving few traces, one of which was a censors office complete with equipment.
"Officers and men were told that this was British Imperialistic aggression intended to add Syria to the British Empire, Many prisoners were surprised to find that their captors were also Frenchmen, 3. Drastic purges. hundred officers suspected of Ush sym. pathies were placed on a ship at Beirut and d'hers imprisoned at Damascus.
*"4, Appeal to militarwWhonour. A Gaptured order of the day by General Dentz read: The French army since last year has been burdened by a terrible accusation—het of having fought badly, and of cowardice. Any fresh defeat due to friendship for Great Brigin or other causes will be interpreted throughout the world as a fresh sign of cowardice. Soldiers of the Levant, it is your duty to show that Frenchmen can fight.
"Tt will be found that the armistice on the Allied side will offer the most generous terms, scrupulously respecting the right of former combat ants to choose between repatriation and joining the Free French forces. So far most of the captured N.C.O/s and men and about half of the officers have expressed their desire to join General de Gaulle.
"The inhabitants of Syria and the Lebanon "have welcomed General Catroux with enthusiasm, and most of the French officials have remained at their posts. The Syrians have found a new name for the Free French. whom they call les nouveau Francais "—Reuter-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.