a british agent in france was george p. co a french diplomat had negotiated a plan to divide the ottoman provinces. in the south britain took mesopotamia where it had secured several oil concessions. in the north france wanted to extend its area of influence in syria it had a long history of ties to the region having protected christian maronites in lebanon since the nineteenth century. the sykes pekoe agreement made no mention of fisons kingdom. the secret deal carried more weight than the promise made to the emea. france was given a mandate for syria the british withdrew and half isel to fend for himself against