Decision to Increase British Garrison in Egypt

Northern Advocate, 19 October 1935, Page 9

Decision to Increase British Garrison in Egypt

PRECAUTIONS WILL NOT BE RELAXED |

EXTRA TROOPS; AIR FORCE INCREASES

ITALIAN ACTIVITIES ON FRONTIER INCLUDE MINE LAYING [United .Press Association.— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.! ■' (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, October 17. r THE position in Libya is arousing increasing interest. It is understood that Britain’s precautions are not to be relaxed unless she receives a complete reassurance, both by action and verbally, that the position is not to be prejudiced by a reduction of her naval forces. • The Cairo correspondent of “The Times” states that the British Government, in agreement with the Egyptian Government, has decided, in view of the establishment of a temporary base for the Mediterranean Fleet at Alexandria, and the increase in the Italian forces in Libya, provisionally to strengthen the British garrison in Egypt by a brigade of infantry, which will arrive shortly. It will be commanded by Brigadier-General J. H. Priestman, who commanded the British troops in the Saar. Also, it has been decided correspondingly to increase .the Air Force. Two battalions, one British and the ether Egyptian, have moved out to Mersa Matruh to support the Egyptian battalion normally stationed at Alexandria. ; The correspondent of thb British United Press at Alexandria states that the Italians are reported to be active on the frontier. They are said to be digging trenches and laying land mines in the neighbourhood of the Jarabub oasis, facing the Siwa oasis. SITUATION EASIER. It is believed the international situation has taken a most favourable turn after today’s activities in Rome and Paris. Signor Mussolini had'a lengthy conference with Sir Eric Drummond in the morning, and received Comte de Chambraun, French Ambassador, in the afternoon, after which it was rumoured that agreement had been reached to withdraw part of the British Fleet from the Mediterranean, substituting French ships, while Italy reduces her forces in Libya, although a communique only says that conversations between Paris and Rome and) Paris and London were going on through normal channels. There is at present nothing specific, but the fact that conversations are continuing is taken to show that" the doors are not closed. British, French and Italian official quarters maintain an unusual secrecy.