SYRIAN AERODROMES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 19 May 1941, Page 6

SYRIAN AERODROMES

TAKEN OVER BY GERMANS BASES FOR OPERATIONS ! AGAINST BRITISH | VOLUNTEERS FOR REBEL ARMY j fU.P.A.-By Electric Telegraph— Copyright] (Rcc. 1.20) London, May 18. Precise information about what is happening in Syria and Iraq is difficult to obtain, but it is confirmed that German operational staffs have taken over three Syrian aerodromes, which it is expected will soon be bases for operations against the British forces in Iraq, Egypt, Palestine and elsewhere. According to the Ankara correspondent of ‘The Times'’ the first thirty bombers sent to Iraq were mostly oldfashioned machines of French manufacture which the Germans captured last year. The French are helping the Germans by facilitating the passage of Syrian volunteers for Rashid Ali’s army. About 5000. who are described as disaffected riffraff, were brought to the frontier in French military lorries and are now awaiting a favourable opportunity to cross. It is reported that a small detachment which crossed within tt)e past few days met a shower of bullets and bombs from British aeroplanes. French statements of their actions almost give the impression that they have given up responsibility for Syria. There is no evidence that the French attempted to defend their aerodromes from British bombers and they are sending to Iraq daily irreplaceable guns and ammunition. This does not indicate any intention to resist invasion. “The Times” correspondent adds that Turkey is taking the Middle East crisis calmly. It is thought the British may well come out of this much better than the Germans. The British have an army upon the spot and experience in handling Arabs. The Germans can send troops to Iraq only by air and must rely upon a general Arab revolt. The Turks will be surprised if the Germans find the mass of Arabs willing to serve them.