London, Aug. 7.
Questioned on Syria in the House of Commons "yesterday, Mr. Eden, Foreign Secretary, said that the British Government had no know: ledge of any declaration by General [Catroux. that until every part_ of Syria was in full occupation by Free French forces it would be impossible to conclude with the Syrian Government a, treaty providing for that country's independence.
Mr. Eden added, however, it was evident that the Arst step must be for the whole country to be occupied by Allied forces, and it was hoped that this process would be completed a very early date, 'As regards the future adminis tion' of the country, the British Government were in ho doubt that the Free French authorities were. fully aware of the unsatisfactory conditions prevailing under the previous regime, Bnd had confidence in their ability 16 Teach a sallsfactory agreement with the Syrian Government—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.