1. Mr. Astorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement regarding constitutional progress in Syria and the Lebanon?
§ The Minister of State (Mr. Richard Law)Yes, Sir. Elections have been held both in Syria and Lebanon during the summer, and popularly elected Legislatures are now in existence in both countries. Presidents and Governments have been appointed in the constitutional manner. I am glad to say that these developments, which have been followed with close sympathy and interest by His Majesty's Government, have been well received by surrounding Arab peoples, and exchanges of diplomatic and consular representatives are in progress.
§ Mr. LawThe position is that it is technically impossible now to terminate the mandate, but the French authorities are in touch with the Lebanon and Syrian authorities with a view to implementing the pledges which have been given.