Coming Events in Libya
The ending of the campaign in Greece will have its reactions on the situation in Africa, not merely because it will increase the number of troops and aircraft at General Wavell's disposal, but because the Navy will now be able to give increased attention to the German lines of communica- tion between Sicily and Tripoli. In Greece the withdrawal was effected with brilliant success as the result of the closest co-operation between our land, sea and air arms. Success in Libya will depend on the same co-operation. There is no question that major operations are in prospect. Some German teinforcements may be intercepted by the Navy, but some will certainly slip through under cover of dark, and others will . reach Tripoli by air. But British reinforcements are on the way, too ; transports steaming eastwards were reported to have left Gibraltar on Monday ; and the forces from Abyssinia as well as from Greece will be taking their places on the Egyptian frontier. The Abyssinian campaign is virtually at an end with the fall of Dessie, though the Duke of Aosta will no doubt hold out to the end in the hope of keeping as many British troops as possible occupied. But mopping-up can now be left mainly to the Abyssinian patriots themselves. Mr. Churchill, in his broadcast on Sunday, revealed the astonishing fact that General Wavell won his spectacular successes in Libya with a force of no more than 30,000. He has an enemy of a very different calibre to face now, but he has also very different resources to face him with. The most serious deficiency, no doubt, is in tanks.
