EGYPT TO FIGHT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 227, 23 August 1940, Page 7

EGYPT TO FIGHT

IF ITALIANS ATTACK. EFFICIENCY OF ARMY. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received August 23, 8.5 a.m. CAIRO, Aug. 22. A definite declaration was made by the Premier (Hassan Sabry Pasha) alter a secret session that “Egypt will declare war against Italy if Italian troops invade Egypt-”

A high Egyptian authority states that-the army has reached the highest peak of efficiency and is capable, if called on, of backing up the British troops xvith the latest xveapons and man-poxver including xx’ell-trained officers. Britain and Egypt xvould be united by mingling their blood in a common cause.

Iveissy Pasha (War Minister) stated that an Egyptian mobile division has already taken up strategic positions. The army stands four-square xvith the British ready to resist the invader.

Asked if Egypt xvould participate in the defence of the Sudan, he replied: “Our troops are already distributed and will fight if attacked.” The Press xvarmly xvelcomes the Premier’s statement, and says Egypt is a peaceful country, but is bound to resist aggression not only for her 6elf-pre.serx-ation, but for the preservation of her honour in viexv of the AngloEgyptian Treaty. DEMANDS FOR WAR.

Ansxvering rising demands from a crowded Parliament for immediate entry into the xvar on Britain’s side, the Premier said that nothing had developed to change the Government’s policy, xvhich xvas to keep out of the xvar against Italy unless Egypt xvas directly invaded (stated an earlier report). Dr Ahmed Maher (President of the Chamber of Deputies), amid cheers,, immediately demanded a debate on the war policy) Members of the Government demanded that the debate should be in secret. BRITISH CAMPAIGN.

The British Commander-in-Chief in the Middle East (Lt.-General Sir Archibald Wavell) has returned from a secret x r isit to London, xvhere he had an important conference xvith the Supreme War Council, at xvhich, it is believed, the final decisions were taken for the forthcoming campaign against the Italians.

General Wavell, i.n a broadcast, said: “We are at the crisis of the xvar, perhaps the turning point for victory. Make no mistake, xve have a long, hard road still, and may sustain further grievous shocks, but xve shall xvin the last battle.” General Wavell, receiving war correspondents before the broadcast, hinted that encouraging news might be expected any day noxv. He said the Middle East hlid a great part to play in the final victory.