GERMAN TROOPS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20572, 4 June 1941, Page 5

GERMAN TROOPS

UNCONFIRMED REPORT

BRITISH ACTION URGED

ifilec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.)

(Reed. June 4, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 3

Reports from Ankara and Madrid state that German troops have landed in Syria, but there is no confirmation of these reports in London. The reports coincide with the announcement that General Weygand, France’s greatest authority on Syria, arrived at Vichy yesterday by plane from Algiers and was immediately received by Marshal Petain. It is added that he will remain at Vichy for several days.

A Beirut communique says that not a single German soldier has arrived to occupy any point in Syria or Lebanon.

Diplomats of all nationalities agree on the military necessity for Britain to attempt to occupy Syria, says the New York Times.

Ankara reports state that the Germans are trying to stir up a Christian and Moslem war, and the exiled Grand Mufti of Jerusalem has already gone to Syria and is attempting to spread anti-British venom. The Germans are preparing for military occupation with France’s consent. Hundreds of Nazi technicians and air force personnel have arrived, some bearing faked Bulgarian passports. They crossed through Turkey. A reliable informant who visited Syria says the French administration is powerless and discredited, and local ’Frenchmen will not resist anybody marching in, no matter whether it is British, Free French, or Germans. Practically all Frenchmen, even former Anglophobes, are thoroughly disgusted with the conduct of the High Commissioner, General Dentz.