3 D1- WASHINGTON DC JAN 11 OPNAV FROM STATE: RESTRICTED
FOLLOWING RECEIVED FROM AMERICAN CONSUL AT MALTA; QUOTE 4 JAN 11 4
PM YESTERDAY BRITISH CRUISES WITH CONVOY OFF PANTELLERIA SANK
ITALIAN DESTROYER OF VEGA CLASS.  ILUSTRIUS ATTACKED BY MORE THAN 40
GERMAN DIVE BOMBERS FROM SICILY WITH CONSTANT BOMBING FOR 7 HOURS. 
TORPEDO ATTACKS MISSED BUT THOUSAND POUND BOMB MADE A HOLE IN
FLIGHT DECK MORE THAN 20 FEET SQUARE AND FOUR OTHER BOMBS STRUCK
VESSEL.  MORE THAN 20 AIRPLANES DESTROYED AND ABOUT 100 KILLED.
DAMAGE TO VESSEL CONSIDERABLE.  FLEET AND ARM DESTROYED SIX
GERMAN BOMBERS AND PROBABLY THREE OTHERS.  DESTROYER GALLANTRY
STRUCK MINE OFF PANTELLERIA LOST BOW TOWED TO MALTA. CONVOY
ARRIVED SAFELY.  AMERICANS ALLEN OF ASSOCIATED PRESS AND LT COM
HERTMAN ON BOARD ILLUSTRIOUS ESCAPED INJURY SGD HENRY
ACTION......38
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