New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-01-02
France Would
Shape Future
OF Asia Minor
Plans to Guide the Des-
TIMES Of Armenia, Syria
and Biblical Lebanon

PARIS, Dec 81 BY The Associated
Press France plans to assume the
guidance of the destnes of Armenia,
Syria and Lebanon in the new order
of world affairs growing out of the
war, in conformity with treaties signed
with Great Britain and Russia in 1915,
if the coming peace conference does
not rule otherwiso, sccor diag 10
authoritative information furnished
The Associated Press.
Palestine, according to the plan un-
der consideration, would, with its
complexity of nationalities and re-
ligions, be placed under international
protection. England would be respon-
sible for the Arabian peninsula, with
the exception of the Kingdom of
Hedjas, which would be free
Not ProtectOrate
France it is emphaticslly stated,
cschews the term "protec in
connection with her proposed super
vision of these countries, and it is
probable that some such relations
with them as exists between England
and her Dominions would be estab-
lished under the plan.
These facts were given as an expla-
nation Of the declaration Of Stephen
Pichon, Foreign Minister, in the Cham
ber of Deputies Sunday. Referring to
the manner in which France would
deal with Asia Minor and nationalities
formerly ruled by Turkey, NJ Pichon
said:
we have nothing but friendly
feelings for the Turks, and we have
testified to them in protecting subju-
gated nations in the Ottoman Empire
over which we have century-old rights.
Our rights are incontestable in Ar
menia, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine.
Considers Rights Established
"They are based on historic con-
While admitting the entire liberty Of
the peace conference to deal with the
subject, we consider our rights are
fully established by our agreements
with Great Britain
The Foreign Minister'S reference to
"historic conventions" may be under
stood, when taken as relating to long
standing treaties of capitulation be-
tween France and the Ottoman Empire,
through which France protected the
interests of Christians in the coun-
tries in question The statement as to
agreements with Great Britain" how
ever is not so clear. An explanation
of this, as given by an authority on the
subject, was in substance, as follows:
From the beginning Of the ascend
ancy of Mahometan power in Asia
Minor until the outbreak of the pres
ent war, France, through treaties with
Turkey, had assumed the especial pro-
lection OF Christian interests under
Ottoman rule.
Backed Christians Demands
"As evidence of the good will Of
France in this matter, it is cited that
about the middle OF the last century
she sent an armed expedition into Leb-
anon to enforce demands made on be-
half of the Christians in that coun-
try. Moreover, in Syria, since the
tenth century. the general language
and customs have been French, while
IN Syria, Lebanon and Armenia the
religious orders of France have main
tanned large Christian establishments.
"W hen the world war broke out, the
problem of the future Of Asia Minor
arose, the assumption naturally being
that the Allies would WIZ 1t was agreed
at that time that France was entitled
to guide the affairs Of Syria, Lebanon
and Armenia. England, on the other
hand. was to assume responsibility for
other territories in Asia Minor which
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