489

-2-

It is understood that the Armenians have flocked to the Cilician region
in such large numbers as to give this district a character different from that
of other portions of Asia Minor. Under the Sevres Treaty a portion of the Cilician
plan was joined to Syria under the mandate to France. Another portion is
under actual French occupation. The entire Cilician district comes either into
the Syrian mandate or into the Zone of French influence. A proposition that
has met with general favor over here is that this Cilician region be assigned
under a separate mandate to France, distinct from the Syrian mandate. This
would serve to afford proper protection to the Armenians who after the Armistice
were encouraged by the allies to settle in Cilicia.

204342