FOUR COLUMNS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 June 1941, Page 5

FOUR COLUMNS

ONE ADVANCING ALONG EUPHRATES SYRIANS WELCOME TROOPS AS LIBERATORS. VICHY ADMITS DEFECTIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, June 9. The Allied advance is from four directions, one being along the coast, two from the Trans-Jordan, and the fourth along the River Euphrates from Iraq. Vichy reports, which must be taken with reserve, claim that there is heavy fighting. It is also admitted that some thousands of French troops in Syria have gone over to the Free French. The latest reports from Jerusalem (states the Press Association) indicate ■ that./some French resistance has been encountered in various parts, but it has been quickly overcome. There are no reports of any major resistance. The Free French radio at Brazzaville, French Equatorial Africa, announced: “Our military forces in Syria are continuing to advance in spite of scattered opposition. German aerodromes are being destroyed as we advance. We take pride in announcing that our initial success has been due in a large measure to our American supplies.” The Cairo correspondent of the British United Press says that the Syrian troops and people are welcoming the Allied forces as their liberators. FLEET ON THE COAST. Units of the British Mediterranean Fleet are cruising within gunning range of the Syrian coast but so far have made no bombardment. An official German spokesman said: “Germany cannot remain indifferent to the British advance.” Two columns are developing 'a pincer movement toward Damascus. One arm is advancing from Trans-Jordan northward through the Jebel Druse territory (the highlands near the frontier south of Damascus), and the other is moving from Palestine between the Lake of Tiberias and the coast, in the direction of Beirut. Vichy circles say that the British are using strong motorised detachments supported by artillery. A communique issued in Beirut says that the Allied air force is very busy. “Our forces on the southern front are defending magnificently, and resisting along the whole line,” it states. “Three enemy planes were shot down arid several armoured vehicles were destroyed. The enemy twice raided Beirut from the air, and also bombed the aerodromes at Palmyra, Ryak, and Mazze Neras.” The Cairo correspondent of- “The Times” says he understands that Free the bulk of the Allied force advancing into Syria. WASHING OUT SHAME. The distinguished French veteran Colonel Collet, who recently escaped from Syria, is reported to be commanding the Free French advancing from Palestine. Loudspeakers with the Free French troops are announc- • ing: “We are coming to chase out the ; enemy and wash out the shame of Vichy’s capitulations.” A large force of irregular Arab cavalry under British command is heading the British advance on Aleppo ; in the north.

Leaflets containing a proclamation issued yesterday by General Wavell to the. French and Syrians have been dropped from planes over Syria. PARTICULARLY VIOLENT FIGHTING SOUTH OF DAMASCUS. ACCORDING TO NAZI-CON-TROLLED RADIO. (Received This Day, 11 a.m.) LONDON. June 9. The German-controlled Paris radio states that the British attack was particularly violent south of Damascus, where the British have concentrated 150 tanks and armoured cars, and that the French positions remain intact. It is reported from Istanbul that the British Mediterranean fleet is bombarding Tripoli. A Vichy message states that M. Pietri handed Sir Samuel Hoare a Note from the Vichy Government, protesting to Britain against the violation of Syria. ACTION BY IRAQ RELATIONS WITH ITALY BROKEN OFF. (Received This Day, 11 a.m.) LONDON, June 9. From Bagdad it is reported that Iraq has broken off diplomatic relations with Italy. ,