Evening star., 1940-08-07
Ry the Associated Pres

LONDON, Aug. IA concentra-
ton of at least two italian divisions
was reported on the Libyan frontier
near the Mediterranean coast today
and British military circles de-
clared "it looks as though the Ital-
ians are ready" to advance into
Egypt in large-scale campaign for
realization of one of Mussolini's
dreams-possession of Suez.
Official circles at Cairo denied,
however, that the Italians already
had crossed the frontier.
THE only Italian officers present.
ly on Egyptian soil are one general
and 818 officers and other ranks
prisoners" said semiofncial state
ment at British headquarters in
Egypt.
yesterdays italian commu-
nique said the British were put
to flight during a clash of ad-
vanced troops beyond the Cire-
naican-Libyan border.)
Military circles in London said The
two Italian divisions were concen-
trated in the Bardia area, adjacent
to the Egyptian frontier.
Small British Mobile Force.
This concentration is opposed by
small mobile British force of ex-
pert desert fighters who have been
carrying out the first phase of the
operations in Africa. sort orf guer-
rilla warfare of lightning raids, skir-
mishes and reconnaissance expedi-
tions
Britons were warned today by the
Daily Express, which is owned by
the Minister for Aircraft Production,
Lord Beaverbrook, that they may
expect some Italian successes" in
the war In Africa.
I'VE must be prepared for some
Italian successes" the paper said,
for Britain must concentrate on
Cd insuring the ultimate collapse of
Mussolini's African Empire by cut
ting OF supplies from Italy; and
t9 preparing to resist invasion
here"
These signs of an impending Of
fensive against Egypt, which would
have as its ultimate objective sever
ing the British Empires control of
the Eastern Mediterranean, coupled
with triple drive against British
Somaliland, raised the belief in
many quarters that the axis next
big objective is the continent of
Africa.
Berbera Italians Goal.
In the eyes of these observers the
reported preparations for the attack
on England is for the purpose of
diversion.
A bitter struggle between the
British and Italians in Somaliland
was forecast by military circles, who
said the main italian column is
striking at Berbera, on the coast of
the Gulf of Alden.
This column is between 5000 and
1000 strong, with some guns and
tanks" 1t was reported by military
sources here.
The first of the three columns of
Italians who entered the British
protectorate on Sunday, is moving
on Gargara and Zeila.
The second and main force is
pointing toward Hargeisa, 80 miles
| from the frontier, and about 100
miles along highway" to Berbera
The third is aimed at Odweina, 60
miles east of Hargeisa.
"zeila is a coastal village of lit
tie Importance, with a road running
$50 miles along the coast of Ber-
bera.' said British military quarters.
Possession of either port will mean
little to the Italians, who, of course,
do not control the sea-
Both Zeila and Berbera are across
from the British protectorate of
Alden, however, and the Italians may
hope ultimately to be in a position
to close the southern entrance to
the Red Sea.
British military circles said the
italian columns moving on Har-
geisa and Odweina would have to
cross high hills over a single track
road barely negotiable for vehicles. |"
The coincidence of the attacks
and the carefully provisioned ad-
vances of Mussolini's Libyan forces
noted by scouts were regarded by
some observers as possibly the be-
ginnings of grand strategy" by
the Axis high commands.
The Italians may be planning to
mop up" British Somaliland and
the Alden protectorate to gain con-
| %,.41 ef