23 JANUARY 1915, Page 2

The march of the Turks on Egypt still "bangs delayed."

In truth, the diffioulties of the invasion in force are almost insuperable. The Turks must follow the recognized El-Arish camel route. There is no other way in which even a scanty supply of water can be obtained. This means that the invaders cannot march on a wide front, but only in comparatively narrow columns. Otherwise the flanks will be too far from the water. If they trust to coming in from right and left to get water, the exhaustion and confusion with so vast a crowd of men and beasts will be appalling. If, on the other hand, an attempt is made to send water to the flanks by means of lateral communication, the difficulties due to waste of time and energy will be no less appalling. But if the invaders march with a narrow front they must, when they get to within, Bay, ten or twelve miles of the Canal, begin their deployment. Otherwise they will be liable to be attacked while deploying—i.e., while bunched together. But deploying ninety thousand men and hordes of Bedouin takes time, and time means more water, and where is the water to come from P