OCCUPATION OF SYRIA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 193, 17 July 1941, Page 8

OCCUPATION OF SYRIA.

ALLIES TAKE PRECAUTIONS. (Lice. 1.45 p.m.) LONDON, July IG. General Sir Alaitland AVilson and General Catroux this morning led the Allied detachments into Beirut. The Generals were received by Lebanese Government, Church, anil civic and commercial leaders. Both later returned tiie visit of the Lebanese Prime Alinister. General Dontz left Beirut early yesterday, accompanied by a -number of the more enthusiastic Vichy supporters among the higher officials. Despite tho cordiality of tho welcome accorded tho Allied Forces, General Wilson is taking no risks. Curfew has been imposed and a proclamation posted throughout tho city warning tiie populace that any act jeopardising the imperial Forces is liable to ‘ be punishable by death. The R.A.F. . made a five hours’ goodwill flight over Beirut, Tripoli, Latiakia, and Aleppo, and everywhere people rushed into tiie streets waving and cheering. During the 32 days’ campaign the R.A.F. destroyed nearly 100 hostile aircraft and damaged many others. 'The Times correspondent at Beirut says the impression has been gained locally that General Dontz was highly pleased at obtaining such favourable ‘ armistice terms. Fair-minded Vichy ' members are impressed by the Allied 1 generosity. Free French sympathisers ’ believe the Britisli were moro gencr- ’ aus than prudent. Anti-British, people ffaim tho British were obliged to make peace before Hitler finished Russia. j I