USE AS NAZI WAR BASE

Southland Times, Issue 24439, 20 May 1941, Page 5

USE AS NAZI WAR BASE

GENERAL DENTZ READY TO “MEET FORCE BY FORCE” (United Press Association-Telegraph Copyright) (Rec. 1 a.m.) LONDON, May 19. A communique issued by the Vichy Government states that the Franco-German negotiations are continuing in a favourable way. It talks of access to the forbidden areas being granted to civil servants and heads of industrial enterprises and the release of war prisoners, but it says nothing of Vichy’s concessions. An American commentator in Ankara says that Vichy has handed over Syria lock stock and barrel to the Germans for use as a war base. General Charles de Gaulle, the Free French leader, said the future of France depended on the men who were fighting, not on dishonoured generals. The High Commissioner of Syria, General Deniz, broadcasting from Beirut in French and Arabic, said: “You have heard the address of Marshal Petain, which is full of firmness and wisdom. It means Vichy is determined to secure order and peace for France and her Empire. After the incident at Dakar, England has now seen fit to attack aerodromes in Syria under the pretext that they have been put at the disposal of the Germans. Actually German planes only flew over Syria. Nothing can prevent France from defending her independence or the independence of her Empire. The course of events will only draw France, Syria and Lebanon closer together. My task is to defend the skies and soil of Syria. I am determined to fulfil my duty. We are prepared to meet force by force.” The Royal Air Force scored a direct hit on one ot three tank-laden trains leaving from Ryak junction for Iraq.