UNDER GERMAN ORDERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 May 1941, Page 6

UNDER GERMAN ORDERS

FRENCH AUTHORITIES IN SYRIA Grave View Taken by British Government FULL AUTHORITY FOR ACTION AGAINST ENEMY PLANES EXISTENCE OF MANDATE QUESTIONED (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Dav, 10.45 a.m.) RUGBY, May 15. A grave statement was made in the House of Commons by Mr Anthony Eden when replying to a question regarding the position in Syria. He said: “Detailed information at the disposal of the British Government shows that the French authorities in Syria are allowing German aircraft to use Syrian aerodromes as starting posts for flights to Iraq. His Majesty’s Government has in consequence given full authority for action to be taken against these German aircraft on Syrian aerodromes. The French Government cannot escape responsibility for this position. Its action, under German orders, in permitting these flights is a clear breach of the armistice terms and is inconsistent with undertakings given by the French Government. ’ ’ Replying to a supplementary question, Mr Eden said proper action had been taken. A, further question suggested that since Vichy had left the League of Nations, the French mandate no longer existed. Mr Eden said there certainly was force in the suggestion and he would look into the matter. The United States has been informed of what is taking place. In view of Mr Eden’s revelation, it is recalled that on April 7, Marshal Retain, in broadcasting an appeal for national unity, said: “Honour forbids us to take any action against our former allies, but the integrity of our country demands that the sources of our vital supplies should be preserved. It is against these needs that dissident propagandists are daily in revolt. The blood of Frenchmen has already flowed in fratricidal fighting. That is enough. ’ ’

AXIS MISSIONS

ARRIVAL AT BAGDAD TRAVEL IN DISGUISED PLANES. •'HIGH GERMAN PERSONAGE” AT BEIRUT. (Received This Dav, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON. May 15. According to Reuter's Cairo correspondent, a number of Gorman planes with disguised markings landed at three Syrian aerodromes, apparently bound for Iraq. Two Axis military

missions have arrived in Bagdad after flying over Syria. The Italian mission consists of two air generals, with their staffs. The German mission has fifteen members, who arrived in two planes. A high German personage is at Beirut, conferring with the Italian mission and the French authorities. NAZI BOMBERS SAID TO HAVE REACHED MOSUL. ANKARA, May 15. The newspapers publish unconfirmed reports that German bombers have arrived at Mosul, Iraq.