ALH                                London
This telegram must be
closely paraphrased be-                 Dated December 19, 1941
fore being communicated 
to anyone. (B)                     Rec'd 7:40 a.m., 20th
 
 
 
Secretary of State,
 
     Washington.
 
 
     6148, December 19, midnight  (SECTI0N SIX)
 
     On the other hand, if the finding were that the Germans have not suffered a serious set
back but have stabilized the Russian line with a view to an offensive elsewhere, e.g., attack on the
Iberian Peninsula or a substantial move into North Africa the possibility of counter action by
combined British and United States of America forces has to be considered.
     If the finding on the Russian situation were that the Germans have suffered a substantial
reverse and have been compelled to stabilize the line in order to withdraw, rest, and reorganize
divisions but that it is not possible for the Russians during the winter substantially to exploit the
position consideration has to be given to the possibility of any Anglo-American action which
would divert German forces and prevent their utilization against Russia when active operations
recommenced in the spring.
     Three.  Middle East.
     (A) Libya .  And westward.
     Immediate Anglo-American consideration has to be given