NWN                                       London
This telegram must be 
closely paraphrased be-                      Dated February 17, 1942
fore being communicated 
to anyone. (MC)                             Rec'd 11:35 a.m.
 
Secretary of State,
 
     Washington.
 
     TRIPLE PRIORITY
 
     735, February 17, 1 p.m.
 
     PERSONAL FOR THE PRESIDENT
 
     At the request of Secretary Hull I cabled a
 
brief estimate of the political situation here this
 
morning.* I wanted you also to know that I thought
 
the Prime Minister was tired.  Some of the political
 
criticism is justified but much of it is small and 
 
petty and simply takes his time and wastes his energy.
 
A cheery word from you and Harry always lightens his
 
load.
 
 
                               WINANT
 
HPD
 
 
     * will be forwarded as soon as
        received and decoded.