SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE PRIORITY No 2387 April 13th, 1942 From: London To: Milid Returned Monday moring from weekend at Chequers which included conversations with British Chiefs of staff, Lord Mounbatten, General Paget, Oliver Lyttelton, A V Alexander, Lord Leathers, Lord Churchwell and others. It appears that our proposal will accepted in principle but relative to aviodance of further dipersions particularly of planes such acceptance will have to be considerably and continuously bolstered by firmness of our stand. I am endeavoring to secure clear comitments as to means to be made avialable for the preparations and building up from now on of the forces and material necessary to carry out our purpose. Virtually every one agrees with us in principle but many if not most hold reservations regarding this or that. Hopkins and I will be present at full cabinet meeting tonight and with defensive committee of the cabinet tomorrow night. I dine with Cigs and leading army officials tonight, attend Chief of Staff meeting tomorrow morning, lunch with King and Queen informally Wednesday and I understand that Prime Minister is arranging dinner for us with King and the Chiefs ostaff I leave London Wesnesday night by rail with Prime Minister for Salisburn plains to spend day there witnessing various demonstrations and troop organization probably will proceed to Portsmouth that night with PM spending Thursday morning in the General vicinity. I hope thereafter to get under way to North Ireland for review of troops and to leave for home probably from vicinity of Prestwick. What is the degree of urgency for my return to Washington? I assume that you are keeping Secretary of War informed my cables. I have hesitated to predict outcome of negotiations and Hopkins has been communicating with President Direct on the THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN |