In 1938 followed the long expected air connection with Australia, with which one of the longest world routes, that between Europe and Australia, was entirely operated by Netherlands lines, It is but a tempora ary measure which causes the KIM (the Royal Dutch Airlines) to fly no further than Palestine; it is guarding its old route until the day that the Nazi hordes shall have been driven out of Holland, when also the KIM will arise again and re-establish its world connection, The past week has also witnessed a British reconnaissance on the Egyptian-Libyan border which developed into quite a large-scale battle of tanks, British Headquarters at Cairo stressed from the first that the move. ment was exploratory. The discovery was made that a strong Nazi force Occupied positions in which they could be attacked. and that attack was made. In the region of Sollum. Capuzzo and Halfaya Pass, severe losses were inflicted on the enemy, especially in mechanized equipment, When the Nazis brought up heavy reinforcements to stem what promised to develop into the British capture of important strategical positions. the advanced British forces were with-Grawn to original lines. If there has been some disappointment following the colourful and wishful stories of press correspondents. there is solidly-based official and military satisfaction at the outcome of the manceuvre.
"The Nazi columns have been given a hard and disconcerting blow: Behind it all there lies the disclosure that Genera Wavell's forces have been greatly replenished and reinforced. The fact that he can conduct a big campaign into Syria and at the same time offer challenge on the Egyptian-Libyan border speaks eloquently for the strength of the whole of his Near Eastern position. Those who were inclined to panic after the loss of Crete must now see that the Battle for Suez is one in which Britain has plenty of strength in reserve and is determined to use it.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.