NMC                                     Pretoria
This telegram must be
closely paraphrased be-                      Dated June 9, 1942
fore being communicated
to anyone. (A)                          Rec'd 3:25 p.m.
 
 
Secretary of State,
 
     Washington.    
 
     TRIPLE PRIORITY
 
     91, June 9, 5 p.m.
 
     STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
 
     In reference to the Department's telegram no. 73 June 1, 5 p.m.,  the following message is
transmitted for the President from Field Marshal Smuts.
     "I thank you most sincerely for your invitation and would greatly appreciate opportunity
of personal talk on the war situation. I also thank you for kind offer of aviation facilities when
called for. In view of present war situation in North Africa and Indian 0cean and vital importance
of South Africa as nodal point in our lines of communication I could not leave South Africa at an
early date  and shall continue to watch for a suitable opportunity for a visit later in regard to
which I shall also consult you.
     Please accept my cordial congratulations on most recent success