ALOES IN SYRIA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24633, 14 June 1941, Page 9

ALOES IN SYRIA

' ADVANCE CONTINUES t V -■ . . T H • . FORCES NEAR DAMASCUS FALL OF SIDON REPORTED h i (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) {Bee. 1.45 a.m.). LONDON, June 13. The Allied advance in Syria continues, but there is no confirmation of reports that Damascus has been entered. There is, however, no reason to doubt that our forces are very near this objective. The progress made by all columns is described in London as •quite satisfactory.” Much use of demolition has been made by Vichy troops to impede the progress of our forces. The Allies are reported to have occupied Sidon, advanced to - Hasbeiya from Merj lyun, and to be pushing on east from Kisweh. VICHY’S EXAGGERATED REPORTS - Vichy’s accounts of heavy fighting are described as grossly exIggerated, presumably in an effort to stir up anti-British feeling. The main points of resistance so far have been Litani and just north of Metulah, including Merj lyun. Resistance has also been considerable at Damascus, where the Allies are battering the defences with tanks. Reports, from Cairo state that the Allies are in the southern suburbs of the capital. ■ Vichy does not.admit that Sidon has fallen, and states that the defenders are entrenched in orange groves round the town, meet- ' ing continuous Australian attacks supported by tanks, while a battleship, two cruisers, and five destroyers have been shelling the town incessantly for three days. Officers'from Syria who are joining the Allies in considerable numbers reveal that General Dentz, in an effort to bolster the loyalty of the troops, has granted big increases in pay. GERMAN INTERVENTION PREDICTED The Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter says Germans will probably release many French prisoners for France’s colonial army. France is also expected to enrol demobilised men for service in Syria. The Germans do hot expect the British to encounter stern resistance from the French, and predict early active German intervention. ■ FRANCO-GERMAN COLLABORATION DENIED The terms of the Vichy Government’s Note to Britain were published to-day. The Note states that all the German material and personnel which might have been in Syria have been withdrawn. Vichy/claims that there has been no collaboration between the French and Germans in Syria. - The Note further states that Vichy will avoid taking any action likely to aggravate or spread the conflict, but will take Pleasures to defend French territory. . states that ill actions ih Syria were based on the facts of the situation, notion hypothetical . considerations.; Marshal Petain, the Note adds, must tqke the consequences of his action in instructing the authorities ■ in Syria to resist the invaders. " The point is stressed that there is no desire to see French blood shed, and it would be in the interests of both countries if Marshal Petain would issue instructions not to oppose any measures taken by Britain to prevent the use of Syria as an enemy base. /Iwl ; This Vichy Cabinet met to-day, with Marshal Petain presiding.