Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 1940. THE ITALIANS MOVE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 215, 9 August 1940, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 1940. THE ITALIANS MOVE.

The first phase of the war in Northern Africa has ended and the second is commencing- with an Italian advance into British Somaliland and a threatened movement from Libya into Egypt and the Sudan, aiming at the command of the Suez Canal. France’s surrender to Nazi Germany has removed many of the difficulties Italy faced in this theatre. Prior to this unhappy event the Italian High Command could not make any move without serious risk, a fact emphasised by the manner in which a small British force has dominated Eastern Libya near the Egyptian border. In this period complete British confidence has been sharply contrasted with Italian irresoluteness. Italy, however, now moves with the confidence of a large army of men and no fear of any attack from the rear, but the forces guarding Egypt, which have been specially prepared for the expected movement, are also supremely confident in their ability to dispose of any Italian thought of victory. The offensive is part of the Axis Powers’ plan to strike blows at the British Empire and so bolster up the morale of both the German and Italian people, who cannot be very happy about the war’s progress. Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is drawing to a close, and unless some attempt is made to fulfill the Nazi boasts winter will stay the hand of the aggressor in Europe. The Royal Air Force’s reconnaissances have revealed the concentrations of Germans and craft at various points, but beyond these preparations there is nothing suggestive of an invasion, and little surprise will; be felt—perhaps only. _ disappointment at the opportunity to crushingly defeat Hitler being denied for the time being—if the threatened blitzkrieg is directed to aerial attacks on Britain’s military objectives. Italy’s plan of operations comprises the attack on British Somaliland, where three forces have moved across the frontier in the attempt to reach the Gulf of Aden and so dominate the entrance to the Red Sea. They have no easy task though they have not essayed it without superior numbers. But at present they have terrible heat to face, then the rainy season, and difficult terrain to icross before they can make their final objective, while their progress will be barred by the efficient Somaliland Camel Corps, really a mechanised force. Simultaneously, a la.rg-e Italian army, estimated at a quarter of a million, is ready to strike 'across _ Egypt and the Sudan to junction wiili the forces in Ethiopia, which is cut off from Italian ships by Britain’s command of the Suez Canal. Such an attack must surely end Egypt’s non-belligerency attitude and bring her army to Britain’s assistance, for an Italian offensive would strike at her very security. Success in the Somaliland area would not signify control of the

Gulf as Britain has her base at Aden which would render any Italian gains nugatory. Mussolini has a penchant for these shadow victories, which cost a great deal and bring no prestige to his arms. His troops have yet to reach the sea. The more important thrust will be from Libya along the coast to Suez. So far there is no evidence that it has been commenced, but British dispositions, as recent messages imply, have indicated an attack from this direction can be expected soon.