-2- #167, January 12, 7 p.m., (SECTION THREE),
     from London.
 
East and the Far East in spite of his assignment to his present
post which I felt was one of the best appointments that could
possibly have been made. Royce was in the Near East 6 months ago.
He has complete knowledge of the British situation. These two men
because of Brett's two trips to the Near East and his presence
there during this last campaign and Royce's complete knowledge of
the United Kingdom theater would give you and up-to-date picture
on which present plans should be based with the supporting supply
and airfield requirements which are a necessary corollary to a
production program.
     I know that because of the presence of the Prime Minister
and his military commission that you have clearly in mind the
British estimate of what is needed but I believe it should be
supplemented by the views of these two American experts who have
a very realistic understanding of our own shortcomings as well as
confidence in our own service.
     (END OF MESSAGE).
 
                              WINANT
 
CSB