GENERAL SMUTS VISITS MIDDLE EAST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 116, 20 May 1942, Page 5

GENERAL SMUTS VISITS MIDDLE EAST

London, May 18. General Smuts, the South African Prime Minister, is again in the Middle East. He told journalists in Cairo to-day that the Middle East must and would be held against the enemy. “I have spent a week at the front,” he said. “It was a most heartening experience. I found all the South Africans in good spirits and fine fettle. This is a most important theatre of war and it may ultimately become a great offensive base.” Speaking of America’s part in the war, General Smuts said: “I am sure that the side which has America wTth it cannot humanly lose the war, however fierce the struggle may be.” SWIM IN MEDITERRANEAN

WITHOUT MUSSOUNI’S PERMISSION (Recd. 9.30 p.m.) Cairo, May 18 General Smuts visited the South African base and forward troops, < toured battlegrounds, and discussed the situation with Mwjor-General Ritchie. While travelling along the coast under the sweltering sun General Smuts left his car, undressed and said: I am going to swim in the Mediterranean and am not asking Mussolini’s permission.” During one of many short speeches , he said he was sure the side on which . American was included cannot human- ( Ily lose the war. He added: “Great [j j things may soon be moving In the > . Indian Ocean.”