BRITISH POLICY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 7, 19 October 1940, Page 5

BRITISH POLICY.

IN THE NEAR EAST. OPTIMISM IS DISPLAYED. LONDON, October 17. Tlie Secretary of State for War (Mr R . A. Eden )is reported to have visited King Faroulc. Mr Eden, who was in Egypt for 48 hours before his arrival was. announced, has received a great welcome. The Arabic newspapers feature- his* visit, which has resulted in a flood of rumours of coming events in the Eastern Mediterranean. Optimism is rapidly spreading, especially in Jicw of the failure, of Germany’s air attacks against Britain. Commenting on the visit, the British Broadcasting Corporation observer, M r Richard Dimbleby, . said that Mr Eden’s presence there at such a critical time would show the Egyptians that the British Government was showing great attention to the Near East. It could not fail to have a good effect, as Mr Eden had the confidence of the Egyptian leaders. 'The Balkan situation had aroused interest and curiosity in Egypt, but no fear. .

British forces in Egypt wanted nothing more than a “good smack at the enemy.” If it came they would not be lacking in speed or efficiency.