HUGE OPERATIONS INVOLVED

Chronicle (Levin), 9 May 1946, Page 8

HUGE OPERATIONS INVOLVED

Received Wednesday, 7 P-tn. LONDON, May 7. Observers in Cairo believe that tlie primary idea beliind the. British plan for tlie gradual withdrawal from Egypt is to give Egyptians time to inerease tlieir ariued forces and become possessed of the latest scientiiic weapons and conceptions of war. Informed quarters interpret the British statement as emphasising tliat, rrhile the British withdrawal is comparatively siniple, the military operation question is bound up with the Whole question of Aliddle East defence. The Press Association 's diplomatic correspondent says it was empliasised in London, after the issue of the Cairo Embassy statement, that the prime purpose of the negotiations in Egypt is to consolidate a iiew treaty of Alliance of frieiully relations between the two countries. It is also- stressed that grave new responsibilities are thus thrown on Egypt. The strategic realities of Egypt :s position were strongly empliasised during the war. There is no doubt of Egypt 's recognition of the need for full cooperation with Britain in the new alliance. How the new mutual obligations are to be carried out will l>e discussed in Cairo in the negotiations, in which Air. Bevin later intends to particij)ate. An immense operation is involved in the proi>osed withdrawal of the British Forces from Egyptian territorv. Huge organisations were huilt up in Egypt in the past six years and vast, complex defences establishod and maintainI ed there. RaihVay worlcshops, depots and airfields were built at a huge cost and the total war stores in Egypt at 4>resent are estimated at £120,000,000. There has been nlisgiviug about taking the bold eourse announeed in Egypt, but. the offer was made after full personal discussions with tlie Dominions ' Prime Alinisters during their vibits to London.