MIDDLE EAST CAMPAIGNS

Evening Star, Issue 23863, 18 April 1941, Page 5

MIDDLE EAST CAMPAIGNS

11 DEPLORABLE STRATEGICAL SITUATION " • DAILY MAIL'S ' POINTED CRITICISM LONDON, April 16. The country will demand an explanation of the present deplorable strategical situation in the Middle East, says the ‘Daily Mail’ in a leader. “It is most obvious that Egypt is seriously threatened by the rapid advance of the German armoured forces. The loss of Alexandria, the chief Mediterranean naval base, and the Suez canal, the centre of Imperial communications, would be most disastrous. Yesterday it was explained in London that although the position in Libya was serious, there was ‘ no immediate threat to Egypt.’ While enemy troops are operating strongly east of Tobruk there must be a continuing threat to Egypt._ “ When inquiry is made into the Balkans and Libyan campaigns of 1941 information will be required concerning the activities of Mr Anthony Eden and Sir John Dill. The public will want to know how far they were allowed to over-rule the sound judgment of Sir Archibald Waved. Travelling politicians who have proved a nuisance in peace time can become a national danger in war time. Mr Eden is more distinguished for emotional idealism than for judgment. We cannot imagine a worse counsellor on hard, realistic war facts.”