THE MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 13 June 1936, Page 6

THE MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE

THE reason why the Mediterranean route is losing favour in Britain is because the three British defence services (army, navy, and air force) recognise that the narrow seas between Sicily and Africa could be commanded by destroyers, submarines, and air craft of an enemy possessing suitable bases in Sicily or in Tunis. The question of diverting British shipping from the Mediterranean-Suez route to the Cape route is not new but it would probably not have arisen at this juncture but for the violent ■ anti-Bri-tish attacks in the Italian press. If, as seems possible (both for the mercantile marine and for the navy), the Mediterranean route were to be largely abandoned, it would necessarily follow that the main route from Britain to India would be via the Cape. Indeed, it is reported that “the question of Cape Town as a possible base for a British battlefleet is already receiving official consideration.” So it will be seen that a big change is possible in marine communication between Britain and India. But what is of most interest is the bearing which this possible change of policy has upon the relations between Britain and Italy. There would have been no question of abandoning the Mediterranean route, even partially, if relations between Britain and Italy were normal, and likely to continue so. The fact is that the traditional friendship between Britain and Italy has been shaken, that the policies of II Duce are not trusted by the League of Nations, and that the British Government and nation, while still desirous that peace should prevail, are taking necessary precautions. If sanctions are lifted as seems likely the situation would ease. It will be noticed from to-day’s cables that objection has been raised in South Africa to the establishment of a naval base at Cape Town.