London, June 27.
The evacuation of Merj Ayoum, in Syria, by French troops, was report by Vichy last night, nearly 36 hours after its recapture by British and Australian troops, as announced by ihe British General Headquarters in Cairo, The Vichy communique stated that the troops which withdrew from Merj Ayoum repulsed British attacks on their new positions north of the town, Another communique, reporting British attacks east of Merj Ayoum on the slopes of Mount Herman and at Jezzine, said both attacks were repulsed, and added: "Very heavy fighting in which both sides suffered heavy losses, developed from the attack at Jezzine."
Strong British forces were launched in the direction of Suweida, capital of the Druse country, Infantry and cavalry units yesterday morning attacked Vichy positions north of Qatana and in the neighbourhood of Damascus, covering the road to Beirut.
Along the coast, British artillery bombarded Vichy positions and enemy troops took advantage of this to resume their attempts at infiltration.—Reuter.
Washington, June 27.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.