-2-
 
      
 
 
Our air and navy must cut or impede the enemy 
      supply across the central 
 
      Mediterranean. The matter has to be fought out and must in any 
      case take some time. 
 
      The enemy's difficulties in land communications over 800 miles 
      long must make 
 
      attack in heavy force a matter of months. Even if Tobruk had 
      to be evacuated from 
 
      the sea, which we command, there are other strong fighting positions 
      already 
 
      organized. I personally feel that this situation is not only 
      manageable but 
 
      helpful.
 
      
 
 
4. I need scarcely say Mr. President that 
      paragraphs 2 and 3 deal with minor issues 
 
      compared to the tremendous decision announced in your number 
      one, and once again I 
 
      express on behalf of the British Commonwealth of Nations our 
      profound gratitude."