LIBYAN TERRITORY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 19 April 1939, Page 7

LIBYAN TERRITORY

ITALY MOVES TROOPS

REPORTED BRITISH COUNTER LONDON. 12th Aprli. New importance is attached to the movement of Italian troops in Libya eastward from the Tunisian frontier. They are concentrating near the borders of Egypt and the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. Strategists have long considered that this area will become a major fighting zone in the event of a European war. They interpret the present Italian troop movements as a preparation for that event, and for an attack on Egypt, with a prospect of success with superior forces, in a desperate effort to link up with the Italian armies in Abyssinia, which otherwise would be isolated, immobilised and imperilled. Britain has always foreseen Italy’s necessity for this move. There are reports from Jerusalem of the transfer of troops from Palestine, not to the Suez Canal Zone, but to Mersa Matruh. in (he western, or Libyan. Desert. These cons.’st of the 3rd Battalion of the Coldstream Guards, the Ist Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers, the 11th Hussars, the 67th Company of the Royal Army Service Corps, and a battery of the Royal Horse Artillery. It may be considered necessary immediately to strengthen further the Egyptian garrison. How Italy’s vital plan, as part of her world war strategy, would result would depend on the suddenness of Italy’s attack, and the relative strengths of the Anglo-Egyptian ! defenders. Should such a move occur. Italy would probably accept the defensive against the French Tunisian frontier.