EARLY ACTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 October 1940, Page 5

EARLY ACTION

EXPECTED IN MIDDLE EAST INTEREST IN MR EDEN’S VISIT TO EGYPT. AXIS PRESSURE' IN BALKANS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, October 16. The “Daily Telegraph’’ says the announcement of Mr Eden’s arrival in Egypt for conferences with Sir Archibald Wavell and Sir Harold MaeMiehael demonstrates the importance that Britain attaches to early developments in the Mediterranean. It was never Britain’s intention to stand on the defensive indefinitely in the Mediterranean, although the defection of France obviously created a new balance of forces' which called for a period of regrouping. Mr Eden will be more immediately concerned with the Italian factor, the paper adds. He will have opportunities in Cairo of threshing out many problems and of getting first-hand information. Meanwhile, the Government is urgently considering a whole series of European problems which have arisen since the Axis Powers began moving their troops eastward. It was anticipated that after the occupation of Rumania Germany would consolidate before pressing on with the Axis plan of extending control over the whole of the Balkans, but as far as can be learned in London the pressure which has been increased against Greece is primarily aimed at inducing abandonment of the British guarantee. Greece so far has done nothing to comply with the Axis demands; on the contrary, she has given proof that she counts on the fullest support of which Britain is capable. It has long been understood that the pact of non-ag-gression between Greece and Turkey has also secret military provisions of mutual assistance.

A commentator in Egypt said that for the Secretary of War to be in Egypt at this critical time was bound to have a goed effect. Mr Eden was popular with the Egyptians and carried weight with the official Egyptian faction. His presence would mean to them that the British Government was paying, very close attention to the Middle East situation.

He would find that everyone in the Army from Sir Archibald Wavell down to any private soldier was now in the frame of mind when he wanted nothing more than “a really good smack at the enemy,” and if that opportunity was soon to come the Army would not be found wanting in speed and efficiency. EGYPT’S SUPPORT APPRECIATED BY BRITAIN. (Received This Day, 11.25 a.m.) CAIRO, October 17. The British Secretary for War (Mr Anthony Eden) in interviews with King Farouk and his Defence Ministers, expressed appreciation of Egypt’s support. Mr Eden is also having conferences with General Sir A. Wavell and other military leaders. FIRST=CLASS TROOPS AND MODERN EQUIPMENT. AMERICAN CORRESPONDENT’S REPORT. LONDON, October 17. The correspondent of the “New York Times” with the British forces in the Western Desert says that if anyone inclined to be pessimistic over the outcome of the Anglo-Italian war could visit the British forces there his pessimism would soon vanish. Firstclass troops, including some of Britain’s crack regiments, and New Zealanders, Australians, Rhodesians, Cypriots, French and Czech, all strong, sturdy and sunbrowned, are working in unity and harmony to defend the cause they believe to be right and just. The clockwork organisation, and equipment which was recently reinforced by the latest models, is most impressive. ITALIAN THREAT AGAINST TURKEY AND GREECE. (Received This Day, 11.25 a.m.) ROME, October 17. The “Giornale D’ltalia” stated that Greece is secretly allowing the British Navy to use Grecian bases. She and Turkey, it was added, face an inevitable reckoning.