NEARING BEIRUT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 June 1941, Page 6

NEARING BEIRUT

* THE ALLIES IN SYRIA NAVY DEALS WITH FRENCH TANKS. ; CAVALRY & OTHER FORCES IN ACTION. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day. 1.25 p.m.) LONDON, June 16. Australian and British forces from Sidon and Jezzin are within sight of Beirut, at Rayak. They are meeting trouble from French tanks and artillery, but the Navy is replying effectively. Its shelling completely halted one column, which then retreated in disorder. Forces from Jezzin made contact with the coastal troops and action is proceeding in a series of cavalry and other fast-moving operations. The eastern wing of lhe coastal drive has reached the heights above Hasbeiya which are reported to have been evacuated. The shelling of Merjiyun from Hasbeiya has ceased, seemingly confirming the Vichy force's withdrawal northwards. The Vichy authorities claim that their troops attacked in the regions of Merjiyun and Elquneitra, but the Allies. from Elquneitra, crossed the Nahrawaj and arc moving on towards Sasa. It is authoritatively stated in Jerusalem that very powerful Allied forces are now outside Damascus, but owing to the terrain southward and eastward it may be necessary to encircle the city and enter from the north. Vichy supporters say the defenders of Damascus are carrying out an offensive in three directions. They admit the fall of Kiswe, but claim that a counter-attack regained some ground in that area. An Ankara report says that a British column from Iraq has reached the Syrian coast, just south of Alexandretta. Reports from Beirut declare that French warships and naval planes gave battle throughout the day on June 15 to British warships, including-aircraft-carriers, in a scries of actions off Sidon. The French warships re-engaged two British cruisers and four destroyers at dawn today off Beirut.