The Allies had organized the Occupied Enemy Territory Administration after the armistice to provide an interim government for Palestine, Syria, and Iraq.

The General Syrian Congress had convened in Damascus in July 1919 and called for Allied recognition of an independent Syria, including Palestine, with Faisal as its king.

When no action is taken on the proposal, the congress unilaterally proclaims Syria independent and confirms Faisal as king in March 1920.

Iraqi representatives similarly announce their country's independence as a monarchy under Abdullah.

The League of Nations Council rejects both pronouncements, and in April the San Remo Conference decides on enforcing the Allied mandates in the Middle East.

French troops occupy Damascus in July, and Faisal is served with a French ultimatum to withdraw from Syria.

He goes into exile, but the next year will be installed by the British as king of Iraq.