MIDDLE EAST DEFENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 May 1946, Page 5

MIDDLE EAST DEFENCE

EGYPT AS BRITISH MILITARY BASE magazinejreports (Bee. 12.20 P.m.> ONDONi May 26 . Britain is seeking to establish a military base in Egypt lor the defence, not only of the Suez Canal but also of the whole of the Middle East, according to the well-informed Egyptian magazine, Aleb Barelyom, quoted by the Daily Mail’s Cairo correspondent. The magazine, publishing what purports to be the text of the Biitish draft treaty, says the treaty lays the basis for a military alliance enabling both nations to fulfil their obligations in time of war or international emergency. Egypt, under the treaty, will take over British barracks and military establishments on the condition that Britain retain there the arms and equipment considered necessary for emergency purposes. While Egypt will be responsible for the maintenance of the arms they will remain the property of Britain. The Egyptian Government should, at all times, allow British experts access to the arms and equipment, and agree to the appointment of British experts to train Egyptian in their use. Egypt, in time of war or international emergency, would place all facilities and assistance at Britain’s disposal, including the use of ports, aerodromes, railways, roads and telephone and broadcasting services, ana would take all necessary administrative and legal measures, such as the declaration of a state of seige, and the imposition of censorship.