OPUNAKE TIMES Speaks for the District. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1935 ACTIVITY IN EGYPT

Opunake Times, 22 October 1935, Page 2

OPUNAKE TIMES Speaks for the District. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1935 ACTIVITY IN EGYPT

The note of anxiety which has be caused by Italian activity in Libya points to a particular British responsibility iu the world’s disturbed area, apart from the general one borne as a member of the League of Nations. The eastern frontier of Libya is common with Egypt’s western frontier except for a small section where it touches the northern limits of the Sudan. If there is any threat to either of these coun tries Britain is immediately concerned. When the British protectorate over Egypt was terminated in 1922, national defence was made a reserved subject, to be settled by subsequent agreement. No agreement has been reached, consequently Britain remains, both in theory and in fact, responsible for the defence of Egypt. The present disturbed con ditions are being recognised by the despatch of an additional brigade of British infantry to strengthen the Egyptian garrison, and by a of the air force. The normal British establishment there consists of three batteries of horse artillery and three of field artillery, two companies of engineers, six battalions of infantry and two armoured car sections, with accompanying medical, ordnance and other services. Egypt is also the headquarters of the Middle East Air Command, containing four [ squadrons of aeroplanes and a number of air depots. The normal strength, not including the aerial arm, is 11,900, but that includes two infantry battalions stationed in the Sudan. The Egyptian army in 1933-34 consisted of 11,038 of all ranks, while there was an ajr force of 18 aeroplanes. The main pur]lose of garrisoning Egypt has been to protect the 'Suez Canal. Anxiety on this point has prevented Britain from withdrawing and leaving the problem of defence to be solved by Egypt alone. At times the two countries have disagreed on defence policy* but in this instance there is evidence of ready co-operation. Eor her own sake Egypt would not wish to be left alone to face possible Italian aggression from Libya. In addition, there has been ample evidence of sympathy for Abyssinia on the part of both Copts and Soslem Egyptians. In these days of tension, there is at least the modified satisfaction of finding Britain and Egypt following a common purpose