ADVANCE CAMPS SOUGHT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21817, 21 November 1940, Page 5

ADVANCE CAMPS SOUGHT

Desert Moves By Italians United Press Association—By Electric Tel egraph —Copyright (Received November 20, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 19. The Cairo correspondent of “The Times” states that the Italians in the Western Desert are apparently trying to advance their positions by infiltration, and have established a number of fortified camps slightly in advance of the line originally reached in September. The farthest outposts are now at Maktila, 15 miles along the coast eastward of Sidi Barrani. A Highland regiment raided this camp some weeks ago. About 12 miles southward and slightly westward of Maktila the Italians have established another group of camps which, with Sidi Barrani and Maktila, form a fortified triangle based on the coastal road. Much farther southward and westward, on the edge of an escarpment, the invaders have formed another cluster of camps grouped around Birsofafi. This is believed to be under the command of General Maletti, who, with the exception of Marshal Graziani, is considered the most experienced Italian officer in desert warfare. Between Rabia, the easternmost point of the last-named group of camps, and Nibeiwa, the southernmost outpost of the coastal triangle, there is a gap about 80 miles wide which the Italians are apparently trying to fill by the establishment of new camps. An Italian sortie in this region last week was doubtlessly designed to fill the gap, but was foiled by artillery fire. Similarly, many other attempts have also been foiled. Raid on Alexandria It is officially announced that 49 civilians were killed and 70 injured in Alexandria on Monday night. Seventeen houses were destroyed.