740.0011 European War 1939/2136: Telegram
The Chargé in Egypt (Hare) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:38 p.m.]
53. I have been advised authoritatively but in strictest confidence that the Prime Minister2 yesterday ordered the Minister of War and the Commander of the Territorial Waters to prepare for submission to him within 48 hours a program for general mobilization.
I am informed that this action was taken owing to apprehension of hostile action by Italy in the Mediterranean should Great Britain be unable to repel the Germans in Norway promptly and decisively. Under the circumstances and acting entirely on his own initiative the Prime Minister desired to be ready for immediate action in case of emergency.
The impression is given in this connection that reasonably adequate defense has been prepared against a land attack from Libya but that defense against aerial attack is less’ adequate particularly since a considerable quantity of anti-aircraft guns intended for shipment here several months ago are said to have been diverted to Finland.
Other military developments here involve (1) continued study of an attack on the Caucasus in which connection Turkish hesitancy to cooperate appears to be the most important deterrent factor, and (2) anticipated increase of British forces in Egypt, including impending arrival of 2 divisions of New Zealand troops, to about 100,000 and in Palestine to about 50,000 by the end of May whereas the plan several months ago is understood to have called for concentration of 100,000 in Palestine.
- Aly Maher Pasha.↩