740.0011 European War 1939/8730: Telegram
The Chargé in Egypt (Hare) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 2—4:40 p.m.]
100. Following from the Military Attaché for the War Department. “1824. British intelligence estimates 30 German divisions, 7 of which are mechanized, are now along the Rumanian-Bulgarian frontier.
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During the Tobruk attack Churchill28 ordered Wavell to end operations in Cyrenaica and to plan air expeditionary force to Greece. Wavell flew to Athens for conference with the King who refused further British aid unless they provided at least 3 corps. This Wavell could not then offer. He returned to Cairo and cabled Churchill he was not wanted in Greece and that he proposed to clear the Italians from Africa. Plans to capture Tripoli were then made.
Upon arrival in Cairo about February 20, Eden, Dill and Wavell sat in continuous conference. Colonel Donovan attended. It was decided to intervene in Greece using all available means. Wavell’s choice to command the expedition was O’Connor but Churchill appointed Wilson.29
Following Cairo conference Wilson [Wavell?], Eden and Dill flew to Athens. Eden persuaded the King to authorize British intervention.
[Page 652]On January 14 there were in Egypt, Libya, Sudan, Palestine and Greece, but excluding South African forces, a total of 200,000 soldiers and 12,800 officers in the British forces. Unofficial estimates indicate British strength is increasing in the Middle East at the rate of 20,000 monthly. From this force the following will be sent to Greece: 2 Australian divisions; 1 Australian division less 2 regiments; 1 New Zealand division; the 2d and 7th armored divisions; 1 Indian division from the Sudan; the 6th British division now being formed. Movement to embarkation points is now under way at top speed. At Bengazi there remain 2 Australian regiments, 5 native battalions, an artillery detachment, and a mixed tank force manning captured material.
Air force squadrons remaining in the Cyrenaica area are 2 fighter, 1 bomber and 1 cooperation. The number of squadrons now in Greece will be approximately doubled by the use of all available squadrons rushing Egypt and the Sudan.
Wilson traveling incognito will fly to Athens immediately. He proposes to have an operating force in Greece in a short time. Wavell appears optimistic; claims he wants only a small fast-moving hard-striking force which can move by land to secure Salonica. Motor and mechanized units will have priority in transit.
The vulnerable water route renders this expedition highly hazardous. British hope for surprise lies in the rapidity of movement which they are determined to attain. Believe they have a switch plan to seize the Dodecanese should landing in Greece be denied.
The British feel the forces available are sufficient to justify the risk and that the favorable reaction of public opinion toward their desperate attempt to help Greece will justify any hazard.”