“Recognition of the French mandate for Syria.
“Liberty to make use of the Rayak-Aleppo railway.
“The occupation of Aleppo and the stations lying between Aleppo and Rayak.
“The immediate abolition of forced recruiting.
“Reduction of the Sherifian army to its effectives of December, 1919.
“Free circulation for the French-Syrian currency.
“Punishment of the authors of crimes against French soldiers.
“Acceptance of the above-mentioned conditions within four days. If these conditions are not complied with, they shall be enforced by arms.”
Syria, too, was in quite a perturbed state, owing to the discontent prevailing among the population and the differences between the various factions which were striving to get the upper hand in the country. Two towns, Hasbeiya and Rashaya, situated on the slopes of Mount Hermon, had rebelled against the Sherifian Government and wanted to become parts of Lebanon.
An important debate began on July 19 in the House of Commons about the condition of affairs in Asia Minor and the possible consequences the French ultimatum addressed to the Emir Feisal might have for British interests in that region.