DBOMBERS WITH FRENCH MARKINGS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 114, 16 May 1941, Page 9

DBOMBERS WITH FRENCH MARKINGS

BIG FORCE REPORTED

Distribution Throughout

Syria Alleged

United Press Association.—Copyright.

Rec. 2.30 p.m.

LONDON, May 15

It is authoritatively estimated in Cairo that German planes crossing Syria number 30. Reports, ascribed to Jerusalem, that 120 German bombers have arrived at Mosul, are not confirmed. Another unconfirmed report states that German supply ships have reached Syria with arms.

The French Commissioner in Syria, General Dentz, asked Vichy on Monday what attitude he should take in the event of German planes landing at Syrian air bases, but it is not known whether he received a reply. Certainly he has taken no action to prevent landings.

British sources said that most of the planes were landed at Aleppo, after which they were distributed to other airfields throughout the country. They were mostly bombers, not troop carriers. The planes bore French markings.

Petain, in a broadcast, said: "Admiral Darlan's meeting with Hitler enables us to illuminate the path of the future and continue conversations with Germany. This is not the time to discuss our prospects, measure our risks or judge our actions.

"If we can successfully conclude the present negotiations France will surmount defeat and maintain her rank as a European colonial Power."