GERMANY AND EGYPT

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 10713, 26 November 1912, Page 3

GERMANY AND EGYPT

The Cairo correspondent of an American newspaper, 'writing in' Sep.t'em. be," last, made some interesting comments upon the indiscreet utterance of tlie German Admiral Bceusing, who said that Egypt would be litis country's first objective if she came to blows with Britain, and that in the attack on Egypt Germany would have the active co-operation of both Austria and Italy. The correspondent states that tho British opinion in Egypt is that Admiral Brciising was not by any means speaking at random. Britain's weakness lies in the Levant, and .seizure of Egypt and incidentally of the Sue/, Canal would constitute a very' shrewd and effective, blow at the existence of the Empire. Using the 'fripolitan forts as a base for operations', Germany would be in an excellent military position to conduct a campaign in Egypt, and once the Suez Canal was in German hands the food supply of Great Britain would be intercepted. The withdrawal of the British fleet from the Mediterranean has left tho way clear for the carrying out of Germany's plans, and, though Britain might rely upon. France to lend naval assistance, France has uo naval bases in. the Levant, arid the Austrian and Italian striking points are far nearer Egypt. Even if Britain allowed France to "use Malta as a base, she would, not be near enough to cope with the-situa-tion. The correspondent is'emphatic that what is required is. the existence in or near Egyptian waters of a squadron of offensive strength. He suggests that at least eight firstclass'cruisers should be stationed in the (Mediterranean, and at least four of them should be kept in the Levant. There is a proposal before the British Admiralty to establish a torpedo base at Alexandria, but t/ii* is considered quite insufficient to cope with the grave dangers Admiral Brousing's utterances have disclosed. .