CONFLICT IN AIR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20568, 30 May 1941, Page 9

CONFLICT IN AIR

VICHY VERSION BRITISH AND “FRENCH” CLASH OVER SYRIA AXIS “DEFENCE” PERMIT (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. May 29, 2.20 p.m.) LONDON, May 28. The Vichy correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that according to French reports from Beirut, British and French air squadrons met in combat near Aleppo. A British Glen-Martin bomber is reported to have bombed the aerodrome, after which it was brought down by a French fighter and the three occupants killed. A Royal Air Force Middle East communique states that the aerodrome at Aleppo was bombed by British aircraft yesterday and direct hits were obtained on a hangar. The communique adds that two British aircraft are missing from the day’s operations in the Middle East. “Defence of Empire” The Vichy Cabinet spokesman today disclosed that the Italians and Germans had relaxed the armistice regulations to permit France to build up a continental air force “for the defence of her empire.” The strength was not disclosed. An official Vichy statement says:— “Since the events at Mers el Kebir and Dakar, where a French force was forced to defend the territory against attack, the Germans are granting this arm as a proper means to resist foreign aggression.”

The Jerusalem correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says it is reported that General Fourgera has been removed from the command of the Levant army in Syria and is being replaced by General de Verdulas, who has arrived from Marseilles.