1941-06-27 — Page 6

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THE CHINA MAIL, JUNE 27, 1911.

RESISTANCE CRACKING IN SYRIA

(By Reuter's Special Correspondent In Syria):

UNDER THE PERSISTENT pressure of R.A.F's

the Allied forces, Vichy, resistance in Syria appears to be cracking. I have just compiled a tour of the frontier from the coast to central sector, along which Australian ad-

the

Big

vanced patrols have captured fresh positions. Offensive

is engaged in shelling enemy

positions at Damour. In the central Matulla sector, the key positions of Merdj Ayoum and the fortress at Khiem, have been recaptured and the enemy has retired into the moun- tains.

It is presumed that the enemy is preparing strategic positions in the heights around Hasbaya.

The recapture of Merdj Ayoum was performed by the Australian Pioneer Infantry in cooperation with a British regiment, the latter outflanking the enemy from the south-east.

Several tunks were captured but the majority of the enemy forces escaped.

Meanwhile, an artillery duel is

in progress.

I stood behind an Australian gunner

watched round after round shrieking into the

and

Vichy mountain strongholds, the enemy replying with 75 mm

guns and a large battery which

six-inchers. seemed to be

appears that the quality of the Vichy shells is poor. many not exploding.

Nazi Influence?

Meanwhile, the action of the Vichy Air Force smacks of Nazi influence or desperation.

No Booner had the British recaptured Merd] Ayoum than nine bombera flow over the village at a great height and unloaded bombs in the centre of the main street

Several Lebanese civilians were killed, buildings smashed and many of the townsfolk filed the hills.

to

Throughout this most difficult campaign, I have been filled with.. admiration of the constant initia- tive and resourcefulness of our troops.

Members of the Australian mechanised and cavalry

units captured French cavalry mounts

Japan's

(SPÉCIAL TO "CHINA, MAIL")

The R.A.F. yesterday was credited with bagging 110 Nazi warplanes, since the Russo-German war began as the vast aerial offensi ve to aid Russia fast developed into what officials described as the beginning of "the most

Thailand gigantic air offensive in

Intrigue

Major-General Sir Alfred Knox asked in the Commons yesterday what information was available about anti-British pro- paganda by Japanese agents in Thailand and what steps were taken to counteract it.

the world's history."

During daylight British

bom-

In

bers carried out the heaviest raid they have yet launched against the German-held French coast by day.

Meanwhile official figures re- vealed that εince Saturday,

raid when the first, giant this offensive to: ald, Russia, was carried out on the French coast, Britain's fighter 'plance have destroyed 110 'planes by day and 10 by night. During the last 10

134 Nazi "planes have been brought 33 down by day at the cost of British fighters. News Service.

days

International

Mr. R. A. Butler, Under-Secre-

we were certain Japanese in Thailand were circulating stories calculated to cause ill-feeling against Britain but he was satis- fed that no credence was attach- ed to them by the Government or people of Thailand.

tary for Foreign Affairs, replied EGYPTIAN

Mr. Robert Morgan asked whether a British protest had been sent to Japan against the bombing of civilians in the dia-

trict in Chungking set apart for

non-combatants.

Mr. Butler in reply presumed

at Khien and have now formed a Mr, Morgan, referred to the south

cavalry unit which is scouring hills and mountains attacking Vichy patrols.

SEVERAL OF THESE MEN RODE WITH ALLENBY OVER THE SAME TERRITORY IN THE GREAT WAR.

Two young anti-aircraft gun- ners who were protecting Merdi Ayoum told me that "our, gun has already bagged four Vichy planes with only 25 rounds."

Thumbs Up

bank of the Yangtse, against which the Japanese Government last year stated, they would not carry out attacks.

Attitude, Well Known

During the, air attack on Juna 16 at least four bombs fell in this "safety zone" but no information had been received of any casual

ties.

CABINET

CHANGES

The addition of two new Liberal members to the Egyptian Cabinet was officially announced in Cairo yesterday.

They are. Rashwan Mahfouz Pasha, who becomes Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Ibrihim Dessouki; Abaza, who is appointed Minister of Social Affairs.

Salib Sami Pasha, former Com- merce and Industry Minister, be- comes Foreign Minister a port- follo hitherto held by the Prime Minister.

The new appointments, it was Mr. Eden, said Mr. Butler, was explained, aim. at lessening the satisfied that the British Govern- strain on individual Ministers.- ment's attitude towards the indis Reuter In the Syrian and Lebanese criminate bombing of civilian areas now occupied by the Bri- populations elsewhere was already tish, the inhabitants are settling sufficiently well-known to the down, returning daily and trad-Japanese. ing normally.

I particularly noticed. this yes- terday when travelling along the coast towards Sidon.

Foodstuffs having arrived from Palestine, everywhere they are catering for the Allied forces.

Women and children are on the streets and there seems an air of contentment.

Many village children greeted

us with "thumbs up" and within

Reuter

COMMUNICATIONS A.R.P. EXERCISE

Reuter.

Quake Mystery

BUCHAREST CANARD

An official denial was given in authoritative circles in London yester day to a report sent out

The report alleged that Russia

Dardanelles area.

a stone's throw I heard a young Arab boy threshing wheat on an

London late last night by Bucharest radio. ancient horse-drawn sledge and whistling "Roll Out The Barrel." Was still without details is seeking to obtain the cession of the earthquake des- by Turkey of certain bases in the cribed by Professor Shaw, The Bucharest radio states that the West Bromwich at the recent conference between seismologist, as enor Mr Anthony Eden and M, Ivan Maisky, the Soviet Ambassador, mous" and the biggest he the latter persuaded Mr. Eden to has recorded since 1920 bring pressure, to bear on Turkey, with a view to making the cession Tremorinsted to Russia of bases. Yesterday's nearly four hours but beyond esti- It is stated in London there is mating the epicentre at about not a word of truth in the story. 5,000 miles away, Prof. Shaw was nor in any part of it-Reuter. unable to say whether it was in the east or west,

SOVIET TALKS IN WASHINGTON

M.

Quransky, Soviet Ambag- sador to Washington, visited the All A.R.P. posts will 'ba, fully, manned by AR.P. Wardens who Earthquake, tremors lasting a State Departmen: last night for will receive messages. and relay few seconds were felt at Madras his first conference with Mr. them to A.R.P. Headquarters and Calcutta between 6.30 p.m. Sumner Welles, Under-Secretary where incidents and action to and 5,55 p.m. (Indian Time) of State, since the Russo-German

Reuter.

war Reuter be taken will be plotted on maps, yesterday.

It was officially announced this morning by Wing-Commander A. H. Steele-Ferkins, Director of A.R.P., that an extensive Com- munications Exercise will be held at ARP Headquarters, Happy Valley on the night of July 18.

All A.R.P. Services will par- ticipate in the exercise and their Initiative and efficiency thorough, ly tested.

Even in a big earthquake, tre- mors last about an hour. Reuter. India Report