EGYPT CONFIDENT

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21370, 14 March 1941, Page 5

EGYPT CONFIDENT

VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACIES WORKING WITH BRITAIN WILL MARCH TOGETHER (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright' (Received March 14, 1 p.m.) CAIRO, March 13 “Egypt is ranged on the side of the democracies, and is confident that they will emerge victorious,” said Sir Pasha in an interview. “I discussed financial, commercial and industrial questions, also the international situation, with Mr Eden, “and I am confident that with mutual i goodwill prevailing between the two ! countries, who are most closely ' linked, no difference will arise. We shall march together to ultimate victory.” Sir Pasha stressed the fact that Egypt has fulfilled all its obligations under the Anglo-Egyptian treaty. 1,500,000 STRONG BRITISH HOME GUARD ARMED AND TRAINED PROVED THEIR WORTH mrnciai Wireless) (Received March 14, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, March 13 The Home Guard is already a mature force, 1,500,000 strong, armed and trained. “ No matter how and when the German troops may come,” says a War Office communique in dealing with Home Guard activities. “ They will not take the Home Defence Forces by surprise. An invader would not find a scared population and a congested countryside, but an armed and trained body of men in every town, village and hamlet, who, fighting for their homes on their home ground with shot, shell and bomb, would contest every foot of ground, fighting as a local force or in conjunction with the Regular Army. “ The men of the Home Guard will truly deserve their proud name and the people’s trust. Already they have proved their worth in the swift response to the call for action. Many times they have been first on the spot, ready to capture German airmen who baled out. “ In air raids the Home Guard had given great help to the civil defence services. In the big blitz on Manchester the Home Guard paraded and were among the first to aid and the last to leave.” The communique adds: “ With very few exceptions the names of area group zone and battalion commenders and the names for any other appointments carrying the rank of lieutenant-colonel or above have been submitted and approved. Command Selection Boards are dealing with applications for commissions below lieutenant-colonel and a number have already been approved. “ Practically every unit of the Home Guard is up to strength and many have waiting lists.”