POSITION IN LIBYA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 April 1941, Page 6

POSITION IN LIBYA

Speaking of North Africa. Mr Churchill said the loss of Benghazi was injurious chiefly on account of the valuable airfields which consequently passed into enemy hands. Apart from these, in view of the growing danger in the Balkans, the original advance might have been halted at Tobruk. The Italian rout, however, enabled much ground to bo gained cheaply and easily, but as a result of other obligations comparatively light forces were employed to hold it. German air forces and armoured troops began to arrive in Tripoli before the British captured Benghazi and the submarines and aircraft of the Royal Navy had taken a stcadj’ toll of the German transports. It was impossible, however, to prevent the building up of a strong armoured force on the African shore, and with this the Germans made a rapid attack in greater strength than was expected. The British Imperial troops had fallen back upon stronger positions in more defensive country. •

"I cannot attempt to forecast what the course of the fighting in Cyreriaica will be.” Mr Churchill continued. “It is clear that military considerations alone must guide our generals and these problems must not be complicated by what is called prestige. Now that the Germans are using armoured strength in Cyrenaica we must expect much hard and severe fighting, not only for the defence of-Cyrenaica, but for the defence of Egypt.” . The Italian collapse in East Africa was, however, liberating progressively substantial forces, to reinforce the Army of the Nile. Later events in Cyrenaica did not detract from the merit of the brilliant campaign, nor diminish the gratitude due to the troops, Mr Churchill added, remind-1 ing the House of Commons that a fortnight ago he had warned the country that reverses as well as victories must be expected.