Britain Foresees Attempted Nazi Invasion of Syria, Builds Important Railway

The possibility of an attempted invasion of Syria by the Nazis which would endanger the position not only of Palestine but also of Russia’s supply line is foreseen in information issued today by official British quarters.

At the same time that this information was issued, a report was published here that the British military authorities in Palestine are rushing the completion of a railway line from Haifa to Tripoli, Lebanon, which will play a very important role in the supply line of the United Nations in the Middle East. It will provide an alternative route to existing hinterland railways from the Persian Gulf to Russia and Syria. When completed, the railway will be part of the rail system connecting Europe with Africa.

“An attempted invasion of Syria may form part of the coming Spring offensive,” the British statement said. “If operations in this area, or in Libya, meet with any success, they will be exploited to the full. A German drive into the Middle East would threaten Russia’s supply line from the South and would break Britain’s hold on the Eastern Mediterranean and win for Germany the oil which she needs so badly for her war machine.”