The Wilmington morning star., 1940-08-07
SEEKS TO
TAKE EGYPT AND
PART OF AFRICA
Continued from Page One)

err was shot down and a n o t h e r
threw off its load of bombs and
fled when attacked.
British bomb raids on the i'm
portant Nazi naval base of Kiel
and the great port of Hamburg last
night we're reported by the air
ministry. The raiders also bombed
goods yards at Hamm and air.
dromes at Schiphol, Holland, and
Borkum. Germany.
With interest shifting temporarily
from the usual air activity in Eu-
rope to the beginning of battle for
an empire in Africa, the Italians
said their march into Egypt be-
gan after intense activity by their
air force. Bomber planes e. used
to protect troop movements along
the Egyptian frontier.
(The advance into Egypt came
less than two months after Musso-
lini declared war on Britain and
specifically named Egypt as one of
the countries with nothing to fear
from Italy as long as Egypt re-
manned neutral. However, Egypt,
bound by alliances to Britain,
broke off relations with Italy and
informed Mussolini that Egypt
would 60 to war If her territory
was attacked. Thus far, there his
been no word from Egypt on the
Italian invasion.)
Besides driving into British So
maitland, 5000 square miles in
area with a population of $4,000,
the Italians have advanced into
Kenya colony, another British pos
session, from Ethiopia.
With French Somaliland out of
the fighting because of the collapse
of Britain's ally, the Italians, by
beating the British would be in
control of both the northern and
southern entrances to the Straits
of Bah Ell Mandeb, which lie be-
tween the Red sea and the Gulf
of Alden. Bah Ell Mandeb is an
important gateway for ships
seeking to go through the Suez
Canal from the Orient.
For such a prize that conquest
of British holdings in Africa offers,
Italy has an army of 500, 900 white
and native soldiers.
In addition to the Libyan army
of $50, 900 men, Italy is believed
to have 100, 900 white troops in Eth
iopia plus $50, 900 native Askaris in
Eritrea, Ethiopia, Italian Somali-
land and Libya.
Simple Plan
The Italian plan which most neu-
trail military authorities accept as
likely is simple.
First, a drive eastward along the
Mediterranean toward Alexandria
and Cairo, with the advancing col
umns mushrooming out as y
reach the Nile Delta.
Second, concerted. drives from
Eritrea and Ethiopia's Benz Shan
gull into Anglo-Egyptian Sudan,
smashing at Khartoum and other
vital points on the Nile, which,
winding through Egypt and the SUI
day, is the main means of COM
munication and transport.
Third, purely local engagements
along the Kenya frontier to keep
South African forces engaged until
Egypt is conquered.
Weighing against the success Of
such a plan r the great distances
of Africa, the unknown and almost
impossible country, its fiendish eli
mate, and soldiers trained in 40
years of empire wars in India, Bur-
ma and Africa itself for just this
kind of fighting.
An Italian column striking east
ward from Tobruk into Egypt
would face terrific heat, a great
ally of the defenders. Temper
atures rise to 120 degrees (Fahren-
heit), rifle barrels are impossible
to touch in midday, and motorized
transports cough and die unless
they r constantly supplied with
water.
The factor of water intrudes it.
self on all staff councils, British
and Italian. Al