Greater Lebanon and Syrian States during the 1920 Near-East Turmoil
Research : Book No. 8
Author : Antoine Hokayem
Year : 2014
ISBN: 978-9953-562-71-1
The year 1920 was one of major changes in the history of the Near East. That was the year the fate of the territories detached from the Ottoman Empire was decided and the State of Greater Lebanon as well as the Syrian States (Damascus, Aleppo, Alawites and the Sanjak of Alexandretta) were established.
The relationships of France with the Syrians and Lebanese started on an optimistic note with the Faisal-Clemenceau accords of January 6, 1920. But Faisal’s weakness, Syrian nationalists’ intransigence, the decisions of the Congress of Damascus, impermissible to the Allies who emerged victorious from the war, and lastly the uncompromisingness of Millerand, successor of Clemenceau as president of the council and Minister of Foreign Affairs, ended all hopes and led to the Battle of Maysaloun and the forcing of the Mandate.
From then on, France could organize, as it saw fit, the territories granted to it at the San Remo conference in April 1920.