London, June 10.
AMIBD forces in Syria are continuing their advance towards Damascus and Beirut.
'A communique issued from British Headquarters in Cairo states that the movement is proceeding satisfactorily and the general impression is that the Arabs' reaction to the troops' arrival is favourable.
One column is continuing to move up the coast after crossing the Litani river and taking Tyre, Jess than 40 miles from Beirut. Australian troops were at the head of the column that entered Tyre.
Other troops are pushing along two main roads leading from Palestine and Transjordan to. Damascus, According fo a military spokesman in Jerusalem, the forces have encountered only scattered resistance and casualties have so far been slight. British "planes are protecting the columns, "The Australian force in the vanguard Is composed of artillery, infantry. and light tanks units and is equipped with Bren guns and antic alreratt, guns, The Australians crossed the border shortly after 6 am. They passed through a dozen villages and in only two was there any opposition. At village about seven miles from Tyre French Colonial troops had blown up the road, causing some delay. At another village a small patrol" ut French Colonia) cavalry fired. on an Australian tank. The latter" replied With machine-gun fire and entered the tillage a few minutes later. As they entered" Arabs and. their children greeted them with cheers.
'Meanwhile, the Prime Minister, Mr. Winston. Churchill, stated in' the House of Commons today that he was tunable as yet to make a otatement, there is no further definite information as to Vichy's attitude towards what ig going on in. Syria The Vichy note which was banded to the Brilish Ambassador in Madrid fon Sunday has now reached London,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.