1938: Syria

The French mandated territory of Syria witnessed a continuation of the uncertain situation in which this Arabic territory has found itself for several years. The treaty concluded in 1936 between France on the one hand and the Republics of Syria and the Lebanon on the other hand, had not yet been ratified by the French Parliament at the end of 1938. This treaty foresaw the independence of Syria and of the Lebanon and their admission as member states to the League of Nations within three years after the ratification of the treaty. It had been then generally assumed that the treaty would go into full effect, including the independence of Syria and the Lebanon, by 1939. At the end of 1938 there were, however, repeated declarations by French authorities that in view of the grave international situation in the Mediterranean a revision of the treaty was necessary which would definitely postpone the termination of the mandate and the independence of the mandated territories. As against this the Syrian nationalists demanded the immediate termination of the mandate and the complete independence of their country. Until then the Syrian Ministry had tried to conduct the negotiations with France in a very conciliatory spirit, against much opposition in their own ranks. The international tension between France and Italy increased the internal tension. It would seem that Syria is heading toward a troubled year in 1939.

Syria had to cope during 1938 with the problem of minorities. The most exacting problem concerned that of the Turkish minority in Alexandretta and Antioch. The Turkish Republic supported this minority, and, after long negotiations, this district was established, through Turkish pressure, as a practically independent state under nominal Syrian suzerainty, but entirely determined in its program and organization by the example offered by the Turkish Republic. It received also the Turkish name of Hatay. Lesser troubles occurred among the Kurdish inhabitants of the northeastern district, among the Alauites of the coastal region, and among the Druzes in the south. The Syrians also were much concerned with the situation in Palestine, and some of the Palestinian leaders, among them the Mufti of Jerusalem, established their headquarters in the Lebanon and from there were in constant touch with the Arab revolutionaries in Palestine.

The relations between the Syrian state and the Lebanese Republic did not improve during 1938. The Syrians regard the Lebanese territory as an integral part of Syria, and many elements within the Lebanon agree with this position, especially the Mohammedans and a large part of the Christian youth in the Lebanon who have a distinct tendency toward Arab nationalism. On the other hand, a large part of the Christian population in the Lebanon, especially the older people, although Arabic speaking, wish to maintain the independence of the Lebanon and are afraid that in a united Syria they will lose their privileged position. The necessity of keeping a balance between the various religious groups in the Lebanon has created there a very expensive administration, which led during 1938 to a number of changes in the administrative set-up. A customs union had originally been foreseen between Syria and the Lebanon, but great difficulties had developed in the discussion about the apportionment of the proceeds, so that at the end of 1938 no settlement had as yet been reached. The political uncertainty led to an economic depression which affected Syria as well as the Republic of Lebanon. See also FRANCE: Foreign Relations.