Troops in Libya Are Threat to Egypt

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 152, 30 June 1939, Page 10

Troops in Libya Are Threat to Egypt

POWERFUL AIR FLEET LONDON, June 23. A special investigator of the Daily Telegraph who has just visited Libya, the Italian colony in North Africa, travelled from Tripoli to Benghazi by air and then motored along the Lsjtora Nea Highway, visiting Cyrenc, Derna and Tobruk, to within 70 miles of tho Egyptian border centre, Solium. He reached important conclusions: —■ Firstly, that Italy could defend Libya with half or two-thirds of the present garrison. Secondly, that her military air force is already more powerful than those of Tunisia and Egypt combined, and also that, like the army, it could be more easily reinforced. Thirdly, that the quantity of artillery exceeds the capacity of the personnel to handle it. Fourthly, that the construction is rapidly proceeding of enormous military depots, particularly around Tripoli, which is the safest port of debarkation from Italy. Fifthly, that the road system leading to Egypt and running parallel with the great Litora Nea, from Acroma through Gasr el Arid, has been vastly improved. Saving Abyssinia. The garrison, consisting of the 21st Army Corps, accompanied by native troops, is not at present in attacking positions, being concentrated between Cyrene and Derna —the latter bei/£ the only source of water supply-—and thus between 180 and 250 miles from the Egyptian frontier. If Germany dragged Italy into a war, he declares, Italy's first objective must be to save the garrison and the Imperial glory in Abyssinia. The only way would be through Egypt, and this would be a difficult job. There would be no “Promenade to Cairo,” and the task would necessarily involve a direct assault on Egypt’s principal fortress at Mersa Matruh. The approach would be along a long, bombable and waterless road on a narrow coastal front, against powerful natural defences. It would also necessitate the carying out of demoralising bombardments of Alexandria and Cairo. Across Waterless Desert. The investigator was not permitted to visit Acroma —where there is a big camp —Jarabub, or the Kufra Oases. The Mechanised Camel Corps strongly holds Jarabub, opposite the Egyptian Oasis of Siwa, which might be vulnerable. But it is difficult to see, he continues, how the Italians would proceed farther for the attack on Mersa Matruh across 250 miles of waterless desert exposed to air attack. “Regarding Kufra.” he continues, “if anything is cooking there, it is not for Egypt’s dish, but for Wadi Haifa (the Sudan). The visit caused me anxiety, in spite of the fact that officers and men do not wish war against Britain. Unfortunately, the army does not control events. Marshal Balbo, the Governor-General of Libya, was formerly regarded as a firebrand, whose eyes sparkled at the mention of Suez. He .is now. more enthusiastic about mass colonisation.” The investigator concludes that the danger might never arise if Egypt’s troops and air force are quickly and adequately reinforced.