French Syrian Troops on the Move

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 122, 24 May 1941, Page 7

French Syrian Troops on the Move

Trapped Warships Show Signs of Life MUNITIONS STILL GOING TO IRAQ United Press Association—By El«ctr*« Telegraph—Copyright. Received Friday, 9.25 p.m. LONDON, May 22. It is reported Iroiu Beirut that French troops in Syria are on the move and the French squadron trapped there when France collapsed has begun exercises. It is stated in Berlin that M. Bergeret has begun preparations defend the French possessions in the Near East against air attack. The Daily Express’s Ankara correspondent says French arms and ammunition are still pouring from Syria into Iraq. Trains returning to Hyria are carrying oil and petrol for the German planes crossing Hyria. The German radio to-niglit claimed that Rashid Ali’s air force had successfully bombed British positions at Amman and described this raid as the 41 first operation by the Iraqi forces outside their own territory." This contradicts earlier German reports that Iraqi troops had penetrated into Palestine. It is officially denied in Beirut that Free French troops had entered Syria and were joined by a French regiment. Captain Roosevelt (President Roosevelt 's envoy) ha» arrived at Hal)baniyah by air.