740.0011 European War 1939/10896: Telegram

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

472. My 465, May 12, noon.16 In taking note of the certain recent relaxation of tension in respect of the situation in the western desert I have gained the impression that, although it would appear that confidence may be based to a certain extent on factors of doubtful weight such as the effect of summer heat on desert operations, considered opinion in certain quarters finds reason for slightly increased confidence in the fact that from available information the enemy do not appear to have been able to strengthen their forces to the extent which had originally been feared and in the further consideration that the British have in fact improved their defensive position in that area. There is no intention however to minimize the continued preoccupation as to possible developments in that area.

Kirk
  1. Not printed.