PEACE IN SYRIA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 191, 15 July 1941, Page 6

PEACE IN SYRIA

TROOPS' COURAGE LAUDED. j (United Press Association— Copyright.) (Rec. 1 p.m.) - LONDON, July 14. The Syrian armistice has been lormally signed at' Acre. The Vichy Official News Agency says France "was able to transform an insolent political ultimatum to which she was unable to subscribe without dishonour into an honourable military convention. Marshal Petain, in a message to the French people in Syria, said Frame was about to suffer a painful eclipse in the Levant. Addressing the Vichy forces, he said: "After a month of unequal fighting you "must lay down youri arms." . • ' ! The Associated Press correspondent with the Australians says that outside Beirut thousands of troops are swimming in the sea and dozing m the shade of the olive trees, thankful tor the chance to relax after a hard, campaign. No word has been spoken between the men of the two sides and the .Australians have been instructed t<j keep clear of No-Man's Land. Renter's war correspondent pays a high tribute to the fighting qualities of the Australian soldiers and says the geographical features favoured the defenders, who fought bravely. It was remarkable that the Allies were able to break the resistance so soon. Captured documents indicated that Vichy had prepared for nine months j hostilities. The manner in which the Australians captured Damour in the face of ferocious enemy fire astonished the military leaders. ( Mcri Ivun will always be associated with the bravery of the Australian Pioneer Corps, who held the fort alongside a famous Scottish regiment though greatly outnumbered. j