THE BRITISH WELCOME IN PALESTINE

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13890, 16 October 1918, Page 5

THE BRITISH WELCOME IN PALESTINE

DELIVERERS OF THE LAND FROM THE OPPRESSION OF CENTURIES. BRITISH PRESTIGE IN THE EAST NEVER STOOD HIGHER. WONDROUS CHANGE WROUGHT IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE POPULATION. Received October 15, 7.40 p.m. LONDON, October 14. Writing from Beirut on Wednesday, Mr W. T. Massey describes the extraordinary demonstrations of welcome accorded the troops during their advance up the coast. All casts and creeds united and acclaimed the British and Indian infantry as the deliverers of their land from the oppression of centuries. The ancient cities of Acre and Tyre threw off their customary calm, but not till Saida (Sidon of old) was reached did the population show their real feelings. When the Yeomanry approached the people rushed to tear down palm leaves to build triumphal arches and decorate their houses. They cheered deliriously. Other towns were equally enthusiastic. At Beirut the people threw flowers sprayed with perfumes. Wherever the British uniforms were seen crowds surrounded them and shouted British hurrahs, clapping their hands. The Britisli prestige never stood higher and the exemplary behaviour of our splendid troops is everywhere the subject of comment. The infantry in seven days marched 100 miles, converting tracks into roads, this splendid achievement enabling the passage of heavy and fieldguns. When Damascus was captured the Turks wired to evacuate Beirut, and the Military Governor thereupon retired, leaving the government in the hands of the president of the municipality. When the Germans left they placed machine-guns round the station to prevent the Turks boarding thentrains. The town was found in good order. Writing from Baalbek on Friday, Mr Massey says:—Our march over the mountain of Lebanon everywhere disclosed evidences of the people's relief. (Mir advance put an end to Turkish misgovernment. Everywhere over the 40 miles of road they accorded a heartfelt welcome. Our coming has wrought a wondrous change in the condition and content of the population. On entering Baalbek, General Allenby was officially received by the Mayor with much rejoicing, and a band with half a dozen old instruments played " (iod S,ave the King.'' A party of girls sang an ode of welcome at Rayak. a fewmiles south of Baalbek. Great destruction was caused by the Germans, who burned aerodromes and repair shops. The debris of 30 aeroplanes was visible, and railway establishment and.engine shops were destroyed.