ALLIES AT DAMASCUS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 June 1941, Page 5

ALLIES AT DAMASCUS

ACCORDING TO TURKISH REPORT. : LONDON, June 10. It is reported from Ankara, though without confirmation, that Allied forces have reached Damascus, the Syrian capital. POLICY OF TURKEY WILL MAINTAIN NEUTRALITY UNLESS ATTACKED. ISTANBUL, June 10. I It is announced that Turkey will maintain neutrality toward the Syrian campaign unless she* is directly attacked. ATTITUDE OF ARABS generally favourable. gains IN ABYSSINIA. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.) RUGBY, June 10. A General Headquarters Cairo communique states: “In Arabia the penetration by the Allied forces is proceeding satisfactorily. The general impression is that the Arab reaction to the arrival of our forces is favourable. “In Abyssinia, as a result of the Battle of the Lakes and Battle of the River Omo; a further 45,000 square miles of Italian territory have fallen into our hands. In spite of great difficulties, due to the mountainous country, bad roads and heavy rains, at least four divisions have been destroyed and dispersed in these battles. All major opposition in front of Jimma has been overcome and the operations are proceeding favourably. “In Iraq there is no change.” It is learned in London that in the Tobruk area two enemy aircraft were shot down by British ground defences on the night of June 7, and an enemy tank put out of action by artillery.