740.0011 European War 1939/17476: Telegram
The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 13—5:35 p.m.]
1948. For the Secretary and Under Secretary. I fully realize that the principal concentration of our efforts must be in the Far East. The fact still prevails, however, that this theater is an essential factor in connection with operation either defensive or offensive in the area extending from West Africa to the Black Sea, that as such it must be held at all costs and that the next few months offer on the one hand the probability of attacks by the Axis Powers against this base and on the other an opportunity for effective action against Axis objectives by specialized forces established at the base. I must, therefore, urge not only that priority be maintained for the further development of the military strength of this sector either for defensive or offensive purpose but that consideration be given to the possible operation of American Units in West and North Africa against Axis territory and forces within striking distance.