The airports of Aleppo and Palmyra In Syria ure now in German hands and all signs are printed in French and German. according to travellers For about 10 days now British trad ing with Syria has completely ceased. Yeslerday's reports that the Austra Han and Egyptian Governments had declared that country to be enemy JMerritory under the trading with the enemy act will lend strength to the economic stranglehold which is bein placed on the Germans there. it is stated in London.
London, June 6.
Britain's Mediterranean' lect was reported yesterday to be moving Into battle positions off the Syrian coust as Imperial forces. awaiting order to attack, faced the French eross three barricaded frontiers.
British military experts suggested that the British "righ Command might order an invasion by ait-borne troops operating in conjunction with round forees.
General Sir Archibald Wavell.
Commander-In-Chief in. the Middle Syria as always been largely dependent on trade with Palestine for fa large part of ity economy and hitherto. although it was part of the Vichy empire. "Britain has allowed 2 certain quota of that trade to con~ tice in order to keep Syria's cconome life functioning.
Now that this ald has been with-
Grawn Syria's position is likely to be serious. Both goods and food have long been short in Syria and. Lebunon, and the RAP. bombing of the petrol Storage tanks outside" Beirut will for months past—Reuter. tier is now open amy on the Turkish side, 'There were mounting. indications that the first British blow would come from -Palesfing, although other Imperial - troops were poised in Movul, Iraq and Transjordan. 'There were ready for any move, prepared pounce on the French' mandated territory if it becomes a German base '9f operations.
British experts considered it a de-elded possibility that General Wavell might attempt an alr-borne invasion while simultaneously moving across the land frontiers because the British used parachutist troops 10 good effect during the occupation of Mosul—United Press.
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