reinforcements in Libya are reputed to be heavier than the British believe,
as only six transports in forty were torpedoed or damaged while enroute
from Italy in the three weeks preceeding September 2nd. The British were
successful however in damaging five more in the harbors of Tripoli and Ben-
ghazi, but not until they had been unloaded.
 
     The Germans feel that unless they can reach Suez, or render it un-
tenable, they cannot hope to stop the enormous supply of men and materials 
for that area, and eventually for Russia.
 
     Hitler and Mussolini have met alone four times recently, and in these 
meetings decided upon taking stronger action in the Mediterranean in 
general, and specifically to attach Malta and Gibraltar. The source of 
this last item is the cousin of Signor Serena, the chief adviser of Mussolini, 
and the Secretary of the Fascist party. (A position formerly held by Starace).
 
          The British should be on the alert for a new thrust from General Rommel 
aimed at the Suez defenses, coupled with a simultaneous air attach on Alex-
andria with special air troops, transport planes, and equipment from Greece 
and Crete. At the same time, there will be a heavy and coordinated drive 
on Malta and Gibralter, for which German troops are now being organized in 
Italy. In this connection, our informant states that German soldiers in 
civilian clothes are reported filtering through the Spanish frontier. 
Troops, transport planes, and equipment for the Malta Gibralter operation
are now being assembled in Italy.
 
                             End of this memorandum.
 
Additional information from this informant will be supplied when available.
 
 
 
                                                               A.G.Kirk, Captain, USN.,
                                                               Director of Naval Intelligence
 
         Copies to
CNO             16-F
MID               F-1
Op-16             F-9
OP-12