EGYPT AND THE WAR.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 254, 24 September 1940, Page 6

EGYPT AND THE WAR.

Though Italian forces have invaded Egypt the Government has not felt it necessary as yet to declare war upon the aggressor. At the same time the Egyptian army is taking up defensive positions to be ready for what may happen! In spite of the fact that Italy has really been waging war against Egypt for some time past —the occasional bombings of the British Fleet at Alexandria are acts of -warfare against Egypt whose nationals have suffered death or injury—the Government at Cairo has preferred to await further developments rather than declare war. This, the people were promised, would come with invasion of the country by Italian forces. The violation of the Libyan frontier has not, however, moved the Government, and it is significant therefore that four Ministers, prominently prowar in their sympathies, should have deemed it incumbent upon themselves to resign. Cabinet, it is stated, refuses to be rushed into decisions to declare war. Sooner or later, however, it must face the situation. The invasion of Egypt is Italy’s definite movement against the Suez Canal and it involves Egypt in the war. Mussolini’s bombers will not worry over much when they commence to operate closer to the Nile whether the Government has declared war or not upon Italy. Though small the Egyptian army is well trained for warfare. Four years ago it was only 15,000 strong; now it totals 32,000 men with 8000 in reserve, being fully mechanised with the most up-to-date arms of the British model. This modern army is the result of the treaty established between Britain and Egypt in 1936. New responsibilities were then shouldered and an enlarged defence force was required. It was constructed under the guidance of a British mission which did its work well. If called upon to defend its country it will not be found wanting and will be a. valuable help to the British and Dominion troops there.