Major-Gen. H.J. Macandrew, commander of the Fifth Division, stationed at Aleppo, died a tragic death last week. His tunic had been cleaned with petrol and was hanging in a room to dry when the general, wearing pyjamas, entered smoking a cigarette. The petrol vapours exploded, burning General Macandrew so severely that he died in hospital a week later.—Reuter.
It is possible that too much petrol was used or that the heat of the sun vaporised the petrol and thus rendered it so easily inflammable. An exactly similar accident is not recorded in our own climate.
From "Daily Mail," July 28th 1919.
French in Syria.
British Withdrawn.
Cairo, Dec. 10th 1919.
In accordance with arrangements with the Government concerned a change has been made in the military administration of Syria (north of Arabian Desert, including Palestine and Cilicia), the Valley of Adana, and Tarsus (which since the Allied occupation have been under the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force). The administration of Cilicia and the area known as "occupied enemy territory (west)," including Lebanon, Beirut, Tripoli, and Alexandretta, has been handed over to General Gouraud, the French High Commissioner.
The British military posts in the Marash, Aintab, Urfa, and Jerablus areas, where the administration remains under the Turkish authorities, have also been relieved by the French.
The territory known as "occupied enemy territory (east)" including Damascus, Homs, Hamah, and Aleppo, has been handed over to the Arab administration under the Emir Feisul (whom the Syrians welcome).