Search

The article presents the first part of a series article on the role of Charles de Gaulle, the leader of the Free French movement during the World War II in the crises in Syria and Lebanon during the war. According to the author, de Gaulle blames the British government for the crisis over his visit to the Levant. It is said that de Gaulle intentionally instigated crises in Syria and Lebanon after learning the plans of Great Britain and U.S. for a cross-channel invasion of France.

Examines how the dynamics of the relationship between France and the Armenians in Syria during the French Mandate led to its failure. Partnership between French and Armenians following the First World War; Persecution and mass deportation of Armenians from Turkey; Emigration of Armenians into Syria; Displacement of Syrian laborers by Armenians; Decline of French support for Armenians.

Discusses the Zionist demands which were regarded by the French as a threat to French interests in Syria that should be resisted. Guidelines in anticipation of a French-Zionist conflict; High Commissioner of Syria H. de Jouvenel's offer of a proposal for a Jewish settlement in Syria.

Examines French military activity in the Levant leading to the uprooting of the Sharifian government. San Remo Conference of 1920 granting France the Syrian mandate; Coronation of Faysal as king of Syria; French Premier Millerand; General Goraud, head of the French administration in Syria; Start of Hostilities; French entry in Damascus; Pro-French Durubi government.