NO OPPOSITION YET

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 223, 19 September 1940, Page 7

NO OPPOSITION YET

Western Desert May Become Fascism's Burial Ground

(United Press Association.— Copyright.—Bee 12.30 p.m.) LONDON. September 18. The British United Press Cairo correspondent says the Italians are moving up, hugging the Mediterranean coastline. They are reported to have reached the oasis of Sidi Omar. 26 miles from Solium. Two columns, reaching Sidi Barrani, are reported to be comprised of light tanks, of which military observers have not a high opinion. Troops comprised metropolitan forces and no natives. They are strongly supported by artillery, mounted on trucks. The Italian water supply is apparently sufficient, enabling a rapid advance in spite of the wells in the vicinity having been rendered useless. The newspaper "Almisri" says the western Egyptian desert is destined to be the burial grounds of Fascism. Italians must cross 400 miles before reaching the Nile. The "Journal d'Egypt" says the Italian advance cannot be described as an attack since no opposition has yet been offered. A British official wireless message says the latest communique issued to-day from general headquarters in Cairo states: "During yesterday and last night the enemy has been engaged in consolidating its positions in and around Sidi Barrani, where they have been heavily and successfully bombed. On other fronts there is nothing to report." A message from Malta says several enemy formations damaged Government property on Monday morning. British fighters drove off another formation in the afternoon, shooting down three 'planes and taking prisoner one pilot. No bombs were dropped.