Vichy Accepts Terms For Armistice In Syrian War

Northern Advocate, 14 July 1941, Page 5

Vichy Accepts Terms For Armistice In Syrian War

(Received 11.30 a.m.) LOIXDOX, July 13. A CAIRO HEADQUARTERS COMMUNIQUE STATES THAT YESTERDAY EVENING THE VICHY REPRESENTATIVES IN SYRIA ACCEPTED THE ALLIED TERMS FOR AN ARMISTICE CONVENTION TO END THE HOSTILITIES THERE.

Immediately alter the initialling of the armistice documents, General Sir Henry Maitland Wilson, broadcasting, said: “We Have just been taking part in a painful but necessary •ceremony —painful because it is difficult to have to fight a war of this kind, whatever Ihe outcome, necessary on account of the vital importance, since the defection of our late Ally, of ensuring the safety of the territory she occupied in Syria and Lebanon. “These territories were until recently used by our main enemy to our detriment. “That opposition has now come to an end. Negotiations in which we have been engaged should assure us of a bulwark of defence against Germany and a well-placed position from which to' deal with him.

Without Acrimony “Throughout Ihese negotiations, because the French and ourselves fought side by side not only in the last war but also up to just over a year ago, we had the feelings of the French army at I heart, and have done our best to spare j their honour without prejudicing our j own security. “I am glad to say that the whole proceedings were carried out without acrimony and with the will to produce satisfactory results.” Delegates Meet at Acre It is reported from Acre, Palestine, that a Vichy commission, after a secret discussion lasting all day Saturday, initialled armistice documents pending their ratification. Six Australian despatch riders escorted the Vichy representatives from Beirut. General de Verdillac represented the Vichy High Commissioner in Syria (General Dentz), and he was accompanied by several staff officers.

The Allied Commission comprised the British Commander-in-Chief (General Sir Henry Maitland Wilson), the Australian commander (Lieut.General J. D. Lavarack), the Free French commander (General Catroux), and his chief of staff (Colonel Brosset), and Air Colonel Vallin. Captain Morse, Royal Navy, and Air Commodore Brown, Royal Air Force, were also members of the Commission. The Germans released General de Verdillac from prison to fight in Syria, and he defended Damascus. Believed Terms No details of the terms have yet been obtained in London, but it is expected that there will be an official announcement soon.

According to a message from Istanbul, the British armistice terms included the following points: The Allies have no aim in Syria except to prevent its being used as an enemy base; French representation in the Levant will be assured by the Free French; the Allies do not feel resentment against the French in Syria and are disposed to grant a complete amnesty; full liberty must be given the French troops in Syria to join the Allies, and honourable conditions will be offered all wishing to do so; all war materials, railways, ports, communications, and wireless and petrol installations must be delivered intact; all warships must be handed over for internment at Beirut, and also all Italians and Germans in Syria. Firing Ceases After General Dentz agreed to the terms for the suspension of hostilities, the Allied forces were ordered temporarily 1o cease fire as from midnight on Friday, says a British Official Wireless message. Later a special communique stated that conversations between Allied and Vichy repi’esentatives were progressing satisfactorily, but certain details still remained to be settled. Meanwhile the suspension of hostilities was being continued. Vichy Cabinet Meets The Vichy Cabinet met on Saturday night, but there was no mention of Syria in a communique issued afterwards, according to which “general affairs” were discussed. A French spokesman said that General Dentz had full powers to negotiate an honourable suspension of the conflict. It was Reported from Ankara that British troops were to enter Beirut yesterday. Syria will be the most important military stronghold after Egypt. The British and Free French are reported to be creating great munitions and troop depots in Syria. Blackout Enforced The Australians’ official war correspondent says an extraordinary scene occurred during the formal initialling of the armistice agreement at 10.20 p.m., after a conference sitting for 11 hours. The lights suddenly went out and the delegates struck matches and used cigarette lighters. General Wilson’s car was brought up to the side of the building ana the headlights switched, on, but this arrangement did not last, long. , The blackout is very strict at Acre, and a voice shouted: “Put out those lights,” and they were put out. At length four hurricane lamps were found and the armistice documents were initialled at 11 p.m. The French delegates immediately departed. Compare Notes The draft agreement was hurried to General Dentz and will be returned to Acre at 11 a.m. on Monday for final signature. During the luncheon adjournment the heads of the rival services compared’notes. Only 24 hours previously these men were doing their best to kill one another. There was still a trace of constraint in their encounter, but after a few minutes they lost this feeling in a technical discussion of their respective merits and shortcomings.