740.0011 European War 1939/10020: Telegram
The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 16—9:55 p.m.]
273. The Legation’s 253, April 13, 11 a.m., and 258, April 14, 10 a.m.11 Informed circles here now appear to be more reassured regarding the situation in the western desert in view of the decisive repulse of attacks on Tobruk, continued successes of the RAF and evidence that the German-Italian drive shows signs of having spent its force. Latest reports indicate sharp fighting in the Solium area but thus far no advance beyond that point has been reported. While admitting that further surprises may still be anticipated, responsible sources apparently feel that the immediate situation has improved in the past 48 hours and that the probability of the present operation developing into a serious attack on Egypt is for the moment less likely.
- Latter not printed.↩