MIDDLE EAST DEFENCE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24870, 9 May 1946, Page 5

MIDDLE EAST DEFENCE

LINK WITH PLAN FOR EGYPT

“ STRATEGIC REALITIES ”

DISCUSSED (NJZ. Press Association—Copyright.)

LONDON, May 7. Observers in Cairo believe that the primary idea behind the British plan for a gradual withdrawal from Egypt 18 th e Egyptians time to increase their armed forces and become possessed of the latest scientific weapons and conceptions of war. Informed quarters interpret the British statement as emphasising that while the British withdrawal is a comparatively simple military operation, the question is bound up with the whole question of Middle East defence. The diplomatic correspondent of the Press Association says that it is emphasised in London after the issue of the Cairo Embassy statement that the' prime purpose of the negotiations in Egypt is to consolidate the new treaty of alliance and friendly relations between the two countries. It is also emphasised that grave new responsibilities are thus thrown on Egypt. The strategic realities of Egypt’s position were strongly emphasised during the war. There was no doubt of Egypt’s recognition of the need for full cooperation with Britain in the new alliance.

How the new mutual obligations are to be carried out will be discussed in Cairo in negotiations in which the Foreign Secretary (Mr Bevin) later intends to participate. The immense operation involved in the proposed withdrawal of the British forces from Egyptian territory is discussed. A huge organisation has been built up in Egypt in the last six years and vast and complex defences established and maintained there. Railway workshops, depots, and airfields have been built at a huge cost. The total war stores in Egypt at present are estimated to have cost £120,000,000.

There has been misgiving about taking the bold course announced in Egypt, but the offer was made after full personal discussions with the Dominions' Prime Ministers during their visits to London.