REJOICING OVER BRITISH ADVANCE INTO SYRIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16982, 16 October 1918, Page 7

REJOICING OVER BRITISH ADVANCE INTO SYRIA.

EXTRAORDINARY DEMONSTRATIONS OF WELCOME.

GENERAL ALLENBY ENTHUSIASTICALLY RECEIVED. . Australian and N.Z. (Received 7.<0 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 14.

Writing. from Beirut on October 9, Mr. W. T. Massoy describes the extraordinary demonstrations of welcome which were accorded the troops during the advance up the coast. All castes and creeds united and acclaimed the British and Indian infantry as deliverers-of the land from the oppression of centuries. Ancient Acre and. Tyre threw off their customary calm, but not until Saida, the Sidon of bid, was reached did the population show tfieir real feelings. When the Yeomanry approached the people rushed to tear down palm leaves with which to build triumphal arches and decorate their houses.. Thoy cheered deliriously. The people in other towns were equally enthusiastic. At Beirut the people threw flowers sprayed with perfumes. ' Wherever • British uniforms were seen the crowds surrounded the troops,' shouting "the British, hurrah," and clapping, their hands. British prestige never stodd higher. The exemplary behaviour of our splendid troops everywhere is the subject of comment. CThe infantry in seven days marched 100 miles, converting the tracks 1 into roads. • This > splendid achievement>nabled the passage of heavy..]

and field guns. - \ , V . . ' , „ . When Damascus'was captured the Turks telegraphed instructions to evacuate Beirut. The military Governor thereupon retired and left the government in the hands of the president of the municipality. When the Germans left they placed machine-guns around the railway ' station to prevent the Turks boarding their train. The town was found in good order. Writing from Baalbak on October 11 Mr. Massey says: Our march over the mountains of Lebonan everywhere disclosed evidences of the people's relief that our advance had put an end to Turkish misgovernment. Everywhere over the 40 miles of road they accorded us a heartfelt weloome., x Our coming,wrought a wondrous change in the condition and contentment of the population. \ . On entering Baalbak General Allenby was officially received by the Mayor with much rejoicing. A band with half-a-dozen, old instruments played "God Save the King," and a party of girls sang anode of wel(fome. At Rayak, a few miles south of Baalbak, was witnessed a scene of great destruction. The Germans had burned the aerodromes and repair shops, and the debris of 30 aeroplanes was visible. The railway establishments and engine-shops were also destroyed.