PD                                                                                                               London
This telegram must be                                                                                  Dated April 14, 1942 
 close paraphased be                                                                                    Rec'd 6:50 a.m. 
fore being communicated                                                                              
to anyone. (NC)
 
 
DECLASSIFIED
By Deputy Archivist of the U.S.
By W.J. Stewart Date FEB 4 1972
     
                        TRIPLE PRIORITY.
                        1820, April 14, noon
                        VERY SECRET AND PERSONAL FOR THE PRESIDENT                                
                        FROM HOPKINS.
                                    
 
     Serious naval problem developing Indian Ocean Chiefs of Staff  here 
 
 considering message which  former naval person will send to
 
you later today.  I have appointment with him six o'clock tonight when 
 
he will show me draft. I am sure that naval situation Indian Ocean requries
 
 your most urgent attention. The enemy have apparently moved very powerful
 
 forces in that direction and the implication of this will readily occur to you.
 
       Final meeting Chiefs of Staff and Defense Council with us will be held
 
 late tonight. Very confident of outcome. Marshall has made splendid impression here.
                             
He has  presented our case with great force but moderately. The result will, I believe,
 
 be not only an agreement  in principle but a real meeting of minds, I cannot
 
emphasize