EGYPT BARS THE WAY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21204, 29 August 1940, Page 6

EGYPT BARS THE WAY

With the celebration of the anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Egyptian treaty came a report that the Egyptian Government had resigned and that the Prime Minister, Hassan Sabry Pasha, had been commissioned by King Farouk to form a new Ministry. The report has since been denied and the Prime Minister declares that his visit to the King was for another purpose. Though there is some doubt whether the Ministry will be reconstructed, what does seem to be indicated is that if a change is made it will be in the direction of closer collaboration with Britain. Outside the domestic sphere, that is what matters most.

The Prime Minister in recent speeches has shown a keen desire to render more practical assistance to Britain, and it may be with the intention of putting that desire into effect that he is reconsidering the Ministry. Egypt occupies a position of great strategical importance and is a vital link in the Middle Eastern defences against German and Italian aggression. It splits Italian-occupied territory in two and has the effect of demobilising strong Italian forces in Libya—forces which Italy probably desires to use in East Africa. Italian forces have long since been concentrated on the Libya-Egyptian border, but they have hesitated to attack because they have been warned that aggression would lead promptly to a declaration of war by Egypt.

Egypt also has a responsible share in the duty of guarding the Suez Canal, probably the most coveted prize in the eyes of Italy. Italy’s only chance at present of attacking the Canal zone is through Egypt from Libya, so that Egypt is keenly aware of the fact that she stands in the way of the realisation of Italian aspirations. Only the presence of British forces in Egypt and the certainty that Britain would fight desperately in defence of Egyptian soil has prevented an attack from Libya. Apart from the treaty obligations there is a strong bond of common interests between Britain and Egypt, and it will be surprising if the new Government does not immediately strengthen that bond. Egypt has no desire to become the prize which Hitler has offered Mussolini as a reward for assistance in the aggression against the Allies.