Allied forces are' making further progress in all sectors although temporarily delayed in some areas by resistance of Vichy troops, slates a communique' sssaed in Cairo today, Free French forces wre encircling Kiswe, 10 miles south cast of Damascus, it is authoritatively stated London, It is not quite clear whether they have actually taken the town but it ix pointed out that if they have not they have al any rate taken tivo small villages cast of it, ix cortuin that the Allied forces have gone farther north of Mer} 'Ayoum and on the coastal road are just south of Sidon. 'There are now about 700 or 800 French troops in 'Allied hands, The progress made by he Allied forces' is regarded in London 83 very satisfactory, partiularly' considering the difficult nature-of the country and the extent resistance they have to meet.
addition to mountains and rocks the French have made extensive use of demolitions which have added to the difficulties-of the Allied troops.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.