DESIRE FOR WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21199, 23 August 1940, Page 6

DESIRE FOR WAR

DEMANDS IN EGYPT REPLY BY PREMIER TO FIGHT IF ATTACKED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) CAIRO, August 22 Answering rising demands from a crowded Parliament for immediate entry into the war on Britain’s side, the Egyptian Prime Minister, Hassan Saby Pasha, said nothing had developed to change the Government’s policy of keeping out of th'e war against Italy unless Egypt was directly invaded. The President of the Chamber, and leader of the Saadist Party, Ahmed Maher Pasha, amid cheers, immediately demanded a debate on war policy. Members of the Government demanded that the debate should be secret. The Prime Minister told press representatives in Cairo this morning, at the conclusion of the secret meeting, that Egypt would declare war if her army or territory was attacked. The Prime Minister said the Government intended to adhere to the policy of the previous Government and give Britain full use of naval and military bases and communications. The Egyptian Minister of War said this morning that an Egyptian mobile division had already taken up a strategic position. Four-Square With Britain Keissy Pasha, Egyptian War Minister, stated that an Egyptian mobile division has already taken up strategic positions. The Army stands four square with the British, ready to resist the invader. Asked if Egypt would participate in the defence of the Sudan he replied: “Our troops are already distributed and will fight if attacked.”