The Daily News. WEDNESDAY", DECEMBER 29, 1915. THREATENED ATTACK ON EGYPT.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 December 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY", DECEMBER 29, 1915. THREATENED ATTACK ON EGYPT.

Of late the press cables have coutaincd more or less sensational references 'to a projected attack by Germany on the Suez Cuniil and Egypt, and though those rumors emanate from various sources they have been served up with collateral details that give a sense of reality to the project. The recent report which came via Geneva evidently takes a serious view of the German preparations, and in confirmation gives particulars of the assembling at Bustchuk of railway stock and material for dispatch to Syria, where the Turkish army, with German officers as instructors, and heavy artillery arc mass* ing. The threat may be another instance of German bluff; it may, on the other hand, be a feint devised for the purpose of deceiving the Allies as to the real point or points at which the enemy proposes to make a vigorous onslaught; or it may be intended as a magnet that will draw off the Allied from the Balkans' theatre, where Germany is evidently in fear of events that may go far to her final overthrow. There is the further possibility that the project actually forms part of Germany's programme. Certainly the enemy is making use of the. threat for all it is worth, but the fact is that such a movement has been so ithoroughly well made public, together with the proposed means of carrying it out, that doußts caunot fail to arise as to such an extremely I hazardous enterprise being contemplated. We have been told that a light railway is being built to Becreheba, on the edge of the stretch of desert which separates Syria from Egypt, Apparently the Germans do not intend to use their Uwn forces In thi« enterprise, but to.

send Turkish troops and Bedouins under I German officers and equipped with Ger: man munitions. The reason for tins is self evident, Germany's forces are imperatively needed elsewhere, and whether or not Germany will be able to arm and equip such a large force as would be required is extremely doubtful. Assuming that the threat, will take actual shape, the question arises as to how the campaign will be carried out. Britain and her Allies having had such ample notice of Germany's scheme may certainly be relied upon to deal with the matter promptly and energetically, It is hardly likely that the enemy will be tacitly allowed to construct the railway, on which the possibility of the campaign is based, without determined opposition. A few aeroplanes are all that is needed to destroy works of this kind, as well as the long range guns, of which so much has been heard. There is iyiother, and even greater difficulty which has 'to be overcome—providing water for the invading hosts. It is stated that a pipe line is to be laid across the desert, but the source of supply therefor has not been mentioned. There are two hundred miles, or thereabouts, of waterless desert that the Turks would have to cross before they can reach Egypt, and without an ade ; quate supply of water the expedition would be impraetieable. It seems impossible to suppose for one moment that a pipe line would be allowed to be laid down, and it may be taken for granted thai steps would be taken to frustrate any attempt in that direction. Britain, however, will tak" no risks, and though a Turkish raid on Egypt should be easily defeated—if it ever takes place—it will mean taking all precautions, and we may safely leave Lord Kitchener—who has an intimate knowledge of ithe country which will be of the greatest serrice—to adequately meet any offensive that has': for its object the Suea Canal and Egypt. l