PARAPHRASE OF TELEGRAM NO. 1470 DATED APRIL 14 
 
      FROM LONDON
 
      
 
 
RUSH - EXTREME CONFIDENTIAL FOR THE PRESIDENT 
 
      FROM HARRIMAN.
 
      
 
 
For the purpose of evolving plans for the aggressive defense 
      of Libya and Egypt Churchill had an all day meeting yesterday 
      with Chief of Air Force, First Sea Lord, General Dill and Foreign 
      Minister and it was decided to inaugurate active air and naval 
      campaign to sever Hitler's line of supply to Tripoli even though 
      naval losses night result. I was told by General Dill that the 
      Commander in Chief of the Near East greatly needed all types 
      of transport vehicles, tanks, armored cars and anti-aircraft 
      and tank guns.
 
      
 
      
 
 
The development of Basra or Suez as base for imports and 
 
      assembly of as many of our aircraft as is possible with as many 
      mechanics and engineers from the United States is urgently requested 
      by Air Force Chief.
 
      
 
 
Shall inform Hopkins on the foregoing two matters when I am 
      furnished with additional data.
 
      
 
 
As strategy of combined action by Turkey, Greece and 
 
      Yugoslavia with the cooperation of British expeditionary and 
      Air Force has failed, military effectives sent to Greece