ITALIAN INVASION OF EGYPT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21228, 26 September 1940, Page 6

ITALIAN INVASION OF EGYPT

Because Anzac troops are standing on guard there, New Zealand’s attention is concentrated upon developments in Egypt. The latest advice from Britain is that guerilla fighting may be expected for a week or two as the Italian invaders attempt to consolidate their advance towards the British positions. Marshal Graziani evidently does not regard the task lightly. His advance of over seventy miles in the first few days was not met by major opposition from the land forces, but he is apparently willing to go no further until he has organised his lines of communication. In addition he has had heavy damage from shelling and bombing to repair and losses to replace. Already he has been convinced of the need for extreme caution. Britain is reported to be satisfied with the attitude so far taken by the Egyptian Government which, though it has not yet declared war, is hastening its military preparations and, most significantly, has begun the rounding up of Italians for internment. That task cannot be completed too soon, for there are large numbers of Italians in Egypt who might be very troublesome should the invaders come within striking distance of Egypt proper. Already 7000 Italians have been interned in Cairo alone. There has been ample warning of the danger of the Fifth Column, and it is to be hoped that Egypt will do its work thoroughly. Replying to the action of several members in resigning as a protest against the failure to declare war, the Prime Minister, Hassan Sabry, said : “ Your fears that the Italians intend to conquer Egypt are exaggerated. The Cabinet is opposed to throwing the country immediately into the furnace of war without evident interest or necessity. Our defensive preparations are constantly being accelerated.” Seeing that the invaders have already advanced 70 miles into Egyptian territory, it is difficult to suggest that an act of war has not been committed or that the Italians do not intend to conquer Egypt. However, the enemy is still a long way from Alexandria or Cairo, and Britain is confident that Egypt will steadfastly meet the threat.