JOINT ACTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 222, 18 September 1940, Page 8

JOINT ACTION.

GERMANY AND ITALY. Thrusts Against Britain And Egypt Synchronised. United Press Association. —Copyright. LONDON, Sept. 17. "The Times" correspondent on the Italian frontier says it is officially stated from Rome that the -Italian offensive against Egypt is timed to coincide with the German thrust against Britain. Dispatches from Addis Ababa state that the Italians are advancing across the Egyptian frontier at several points, throwing in regular troops, Black Shirts, mechanised units and also camel corps. The beginning of the offensive is marked by the end of the desert storms which in recent weeks have stirred up the powdery sand, making it impossible to use motorised vehicles and even tanks because ot the weight of sand filtering into the engines. Italian pilots report that the British are' rushing up naval units from Alexandria and other parts of the Mediterranean, and that the ships-have begun shelling the roads leading to Alexandria along which the Italians are reported to be fighting their way.. It is further indicated that Marshal Graziani's push to Egypt will be followed by general activity on the part of the Italian Army in Kenya and also along the border of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. It is also reported from Borne that there is a possibility of "expeditionary action" from the air. The Cairo correspondent of "The Times" says it is understood the Egyptian Government views the new situation with equanimity. It is -generally accepted that the Egyptian forces, have a place in the scheme of defence of Egypt and will play their part when called on. A. French unit formed in Egypt from the' followers of General de Gaulle is "among the troops facing the Italians. It includes professional soldiers, reservists, foreign legionaries- and natives from Senegal.