FREE FRENCH TROOPS PENETRATE SYRIA

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 119, 22 May 1941, Page 7

FREE FRENCH TROOPS PENETRATE SYRIA

SUPPORT CLAIMED Huge Fires A.iong German Planes United Press Association. — Copyright. Rec. 1 p.m. LONDON, May 21. Free French troops are reported to have penetrated Syria, states an Independent Frencn Agency dispatch from the Syrian frontier. Their strength and the conditions under which they crossed the frontier are unknown. A French regiment in Syria joined the Free French forces which entered the country, according to the Independent French Agency. A number of French pilots managed to escape to the Free French. Large French forces under General Dentz, High Commissioner in Syria, apparently moved in Lebanon to forestall possible intervention from Palestine. The regiment which joined the Free French formed the rearguard of this force. Syrian authorities are even meeting with hostility among the troops who reached Lebanon. According to Berlin radio, General Dentz announced that the British had again bombed Rayak aerodrome. British planes from Palestine also bombed Messe and Kissu. An Iraqi communique states that the battle of Habbaniyah continues. Our planes bombed hangars and stores, causing considerable damage. Signs of lively reactions among the French garrisons in Syria may lead to support for General de Gaulle troops, although M. Bergeret, French Minister sent to Syria from Vichy, is doing his utmost to stiffen the resistance. A Haifa message states that more German planes have arrived at Palmyra and Damascus aerodromes. British and Free French planes are reported to have bombed without loss parked German planes, leaving huge fires. An Ankara message states that a writer in "Yeni Sabas" says, "It is Turkey's duty to prevent Germany from establishing herself in Iraq and Syria. If Germany instals troops "in Syria Turkey will be in mortal danger and shall be forced to intervene. We must maintain contact with our British Allies and keep open the roaG to tne outside world." Other papers attack Vichy's "ignominious role." High authorities at Vichy have declared that if Britain continues to bomb the French aerodromes in Syria, France will inevitably carry out reprisals.