Reports From Egypt Suggest That World Situation Is Uncertain

Wanganui Chronicle, 12 June 1950, Page 5

Reports From Egypt Suggest That World Situation Is Uncertain

CAIRO, June 10 (Recd 6 pm).—The independent newspaper “Akhbar El Yom,” said today that Field Marshal Sir William Slim,, told the Egyptian authorities during recent talks that "war is certain” The newspaper recorded what it claimed was a conversation between Field Marshal Slim, Chief of the Imperial General Staff, and the Egytian Commander-in-Chief Haider Pasha. According to the report General Haidar said: “If war broke out between opposing blocs how long would it take Russian armies to reach Egypt?” Field Marshal Slim is said to have replied: "Four months.” General Haidar said: That would give enough time for British forces stationed in Cyprus, Malta and North Africa to reach Egypt.”

Field-Marshal Slim is reported to have « 'lied: “We see the Suez Canal zone as a point for attack, and not for defence. To await the arrival of Russian armies on Egypt’s boundaries is not in the interests of either Egypt or Britain.” The Egyptian Cabinet, at a fourhour meeting today, discussed King Farouk’s directive to “be prepared for any emergency from whereever it comes." King Farouk, at a banquet on Thursday, attended by the entire Cabinet and the Commander-in-Chief of Egypt’s armed forces, spoke of “rapid changes in the international situation,” and asked his Ministers to be . ready to face any eventuality. , The Minister of the interior said, ; after today’s meeting: “We discussed the questions which the King raised." I —Reuter.