Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, The British Commonwealth, The Soviet Union, The Near East and Africa, Volume III

740.0011 European War 1939/7128: Telegram

The Minister in Egypt (Fish) to the Secretary of State

Cairo, December 13, 1940—8 p.m.
[Received December 13—7:50 a.m.]

349. For Miles, War Department, from Fellers:²³

“1805: British General Headquarters confidentially discloses that the Italian western desert air force is practically grounded. First and Second Libyan and First and Fourth Blackshirt Divisions have been annihilated. 62nd and Catanzaro Divisions are now in Bardia area. Retreating 63rd Division has been attacked by R.A.F. with British mechanized force in pursuit. Prisoners estimated at 30,000, British losses light. Heavy sandstorm intensifies battle confusion.”

Fish

23. Maj. Bonner Frank Fellers, Military Attaché in Egypt.