FUTURE OF SAHARA

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 September 1929, Page 11

FUTURE OF SAHARA

ACROSS DESERT BY RAIL.

“I did not go to Africa to amuse myself by killing one oi* two wild animals; that was not the object of my explorations,” declares Prince Sixte de Bourbon-Parme, who has recently completed an extended journey on the Dark Continent. “There can be no| doubt that Africa is a corner of the' earth which has still to be explored. It is a vast territory, generally considered unsuitable for the cultural and economic penetration of the white races. I am speaking now, of course, of the Sahara regions, not of the country which lies nearer the coast. But fpr some time past economists and geographists have altered their views. With the development of mechanically propelled vehicles, and especially as a result of the prodigious progress made in aviation, it has become evident. that the laying of railway lines or the opening up of aerial communications would facilitate the exploitation of the country’s riches, to the advantage of both natives and Europeans.

“I have known Africa for quite a long time, and I have decided to study the prospects of such plans. I have covered almost 10,000 miles between Algeria and Lake Tchad in my motor car, and have crossed British Nigeria and El Erg, the region of sand dunes to the South of Algeria. “Since making these journeys I have come to the conclusion that the construction of a trans-Sahara railway is possible, and indeed necessary, for the development and pacification of these , regions. The countries that have interests in Africa must do everything in their power to ensure that the projected railway becomes something more than a dream; for such an undertaking would bring incalculable advantage in its train. “The proposed aerial communications can be even more easily established. During my journey from Algeria to Tchad I paid special attention to the possibilities of opening up aerial communications between Algeria and the Congo. My experiences have taught me that there are three aerial routes which might be utilised. One would join up Adrar, Beni-Abbes and the Niger. The second would be to the west, via Mauretania. The third, to the east, is the one suggested by me, being the direct route to the Congo, via Tchad. I am firmly convinced that within a short time the last-men-tioned route will be workable, and will be of incalculable value. “The eastern route that I have advocated presents considerable advantages; for one thing, only 700 kilometres of desert have to be crossed, instead of 1300 kilometres, as in the case of the other two routes. Along these 700 kilometres there are water-ing-places and innumerable spots which are suitable as landing-stages. “The most important question of all is that of water; fox- the construction of canals in the Sahara would present insurmountable difficulties. To replenish the oases of the Sahara would be impossible. There are a great number- of wells, but the difficulty is to locate them. The hardest part of my journey was between Hoggar and Tchad, in a practically unexplored region. Our guide had lost his way, we could find neither road nor well, and our situation was just beginning to appear desperate, when through our field I glasses we espied an Arab caravan. Setting off in their direction, we were conducted by the natives to an oasis, where we found our guide awaiting us.

“The most agonising experience in the desert is to perceive a tree from a distance, indicating that there is a well in the neighbourhood, and to find pn arriving closer that there is only a hole filled with brakish water' and rotting vegetation. The greatest of all disillusions! After we had found two or three “wells” of this description we decided to use them for purposes of ablution. A heroic resolve, for thirst is a veritable torture, and the air of the Sahara being dry and pure, the case of the toilet is superfluous. FRIENDLY NATIVES.

“The inhabitants of these parts are well disposed towards Europeans, and one is always glad to meet people in the desert. The Touaregs often directed us to places where water was to be found, which, without them, would have remained hidden from us. The natives are especially benevolent when they see French uniforms, for a good number of them served under the French colours during the war. They are courageous hunters and fighters, and it is interesting to observe that their favourite beverage is tea, with sugar.

“Of course there are dangerous places in the desert, such as the region between Beni-Abbes and Colomb Echar, on the middle route. Since the murder of Colonel Claverie the journey is only attempted twice a month. A troupe of 500 men and armoured motor-cars are utilised. It is time that something was done to pacify this district.

“One day we arrived at a place called Tai-Tok, where a tribe of Targuis have their encampment. We were received with a great show of cordiality by the chieftain, who had served in the French army, and were conducted at once to his tent, where an entertainment, or “Amal” as the natives call it, was arranged in our honour. On this occasiQn I made the acquaintance of the widow of the renowned Targui chief, Amenokal Moussa, who had under him most of the Touareg tribes, so that his fame was spread over the whole of North Africa. He was a staunch ally of the French, and a friend of General Laperrine and of the father of Foucauld, whose murder he was unfortunately not able to prevent.

“It is interesting to note that the' Touareg women enjoy perfect liberty, and are not required to wear the veil.

“During the evening the tribal poets declaimed several of their compositions, of which the motif was the expression of the poets’ friendship for France; a one-stringed fiddle was used as an accompaniment, and the verses were translated for us by an interpreter.”