MR EDEN’S TOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 October 1940, Page 5

MR EDEN’S TOUR

GIVEN GREAT WELCOME IN EGYPT RUMOURS OF COMING EVENTS ITALIANS REPORT ADVANCE FROM SIDI BARRANI. MORE BRITISH REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, October 18. The Secretary of State for War, Mr Eden, who was in Egypt 48 hours before his arrival was announced, received a great welcome. The Arabic papers feature his visit, -which has resulted in a flood of rumours regarding coming events in the eastern Mediterranean. Optimism is rapidly spreading, specially in view of the failure of Germany’s air attacks against Britain. The Rome radio announces that the Italian forces have advanced to a point 45 miles east of Sidi Barrani. Four divisions of British troops, including a mechanised division, are at Mersa Matruh. French troops have arrived from India, Singapore and Britain. From Alexandria it is reported that fleet and coastal anti-aircraft batteries drove off raiders who twice last night attempted to drop bombs on warships and other military objectives. It is officially stated that 25 Italian planes have been destroyed during raids on Malta since Italy’s entry into the war. British losses have been three fighter planes and two pilots. REASSURANCE FELT DEMONSTRATION OF BRITISH RESOLVE. KING’S MESSAGE TO GOVERNOR OF MALTA. CAIRO, October 18. The British Secretary for War, Mr Eden, saw the Premier and continued his conversations with the British and Egyptian defence chiefs. The Egyptians regard his visit as a reassuring factor at a time when the country may become one of the objectives of the Nazi war lords. Moreover it is significant because it demonstrates that Britain is resolved to consolidate her position in the Middle East and counteract any Axis penetration. It can now be revealed that Mr Eden called at Malta en route to Egypt. He expressed himself impressed with the spirit of the troops and the state of the defences. He brought the following message from the King to the Governor: “I take the opportunity of sending to the forces and people of Malta my best wishes for their wellbeing and my congratulations on the fortitude with which they are facing, under your courageous leadership, constant air attacks. The people of Great Britain who are now being subjected to the same ordeal think of them with sympathy and admiration.”