GERMAN USE OF SYRIA

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 182, 16 May 1941, Page 5

GERMAN USE OF SYRIA

ON AIR ROUTE TO IRAQ BRITAIN TAKES ACTION nmawmiumm « mam it RESPONSIBILITY OF FRANCE

(United Press Association—Copyright A (Rec. 10.45 a.m.) LONDON, say 15. One grave statement was made in the House of Commons by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs {Mr R. A. Eden) when replying to a question regarding the position in Syria. The Minister 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 startini’' points for flights to Iraq. His Majesty s Government has m consequence given full authority for action to be taken against these German aircraft on Syrian aerodromes. The, French Government cannot escape the responsibility for this position. Its action under German orders in permitting these flights is a clear breach of the terms of the armistice and is inconsistent with the undertakings given by the French Government,”

Replying to a supplementary question, Mr Eden said that proper action had been taken.

1 A further question suggested that since the Vichy Government 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 mattfr. The United States had been informed of what was taking place.

In view of Mr Eden’s revelation, it is recalled that on Apnl 7 Marshal Petain, broadcasting an appeal for national unity, sa *“ : “Honour forbids us to take any action against our former allies, but the integrity of the country demands that the sources of our vital supplies should be preserved. It is against these ne *“jL *" at , dIS " sident propagandists are daily in revolt. The blood of frcnchmen has already flown in fratricidal fighting. That is enough. - British Official Wireless.