The British Trade Mission

The Lebanese and Syrian governments have kindly agreed that every facility shall very shortly be afforded to a goodwill mission for the establishment of close commercial relations between the two countries and Great Britain. The mission, composed of leading experts and specialists in commercial and financial affairs, is expected to arrive in Damascus, coming from Baghdad, on the first day of May. Its aim is not merely to encourage trade, but to express the desire of the men of British industry to meet the needs of the two countries.

The Right Honorable Viscount Davidson, who heads the mission, is counted among the prominent figures of Parliament and of commercial and financial affairs in London circles.

Brigadier General Sir Godfrey Dean Rhodes, former general manager of the ports and railways of Uganda and Kenya, is a specialist in railways, ports, and questions of transport.

Colonel Alastair Gibb, of the firm of Sir Alexander Gibb & Co., consulting engineers and official civil engineers, is an expert in engineering questions, including questions of irrigation.

Mr. John Berry is director and general superintendent of the Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Company; Mr. Sydney Castle Smith is a director of the textile and artificial-silk company of Courtaulds; and Mr. George Wilkinson is a representative delegated by the Trades Union Congress. The mission has a secretary, Mr. Nicholson, who is accompanied by two assistants.

The mission will spend about six days in each of the two countries before returning to Britain by way of Cyprus. The necessary measures have been taken so that, during this short period, the members may form a clear picture of the principal industries and the requirements of the two countries, by means of meetings with government men and commercial representatives and visits to the important districts. When the details of the program have been settled, a further communiqué will be issued.